In 2023 and 2024, Forward Health Foundation partnered with many of our area resort owners to bring AED (automated external defibrillators) into our most remote and rural areas to provide access to these life-saving devices to our residents, their employees, and our visitors alike.

Because of the popularity of this initiative, and several requests from the community, our board of directors voted to expand this initiative in 2025 to all businesses and organizations that operate in, support, or serve the Deer River area.

We are launching the application process, and invite your participation if this also aligns with your needs or wants for your property. Applications will remain open until Friday, February 28 and you will be notified of the results on Monday, March 3.

• In collaboration with funding partners (to be announced at a later date), Forward Health Foundation will provide grants toward the purchase of Zoll Semi-Automatic AED units compatible with Essentia Health EMS for approximately half the negotiated purchase price.
• The financial commitment of participating businesses/organizations is likely to be between $680-$780/unit.
• Forward Health Foundation will negotiate for discounted purchase prices for units ordered in bulk, order the units, and deliver them to your properties upon arrival. The goal is to have units ordered and distributed by the end of May, 2025…pending any unforeseen shipping delays.
• We are hopeful to be able to offer grants for up to 10 units for 2025. This final number will be known for certain by the end of February and will, obviously, indicate how many total grants we are able to offer to our community through this campaign.

• Any business or organization that operates within the physical boundaries of ISD #317, or provides relevant services located within those boundaries. *Awards to be granted at the discretion of the board.
• In order to qualify for a grant, you or a representative must attend one of the following educational sessions delivered by Essentia Health Community Paramedic, Liz Kamp, which will review AED use, registration, maintenance and laws related to their use: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 2:00 pm, OR Monday, March 17, at 5:00 pm.  Each session will be approximately one hour in length and held at the Forward Health Foundation office (8 First St NE, Deer River – the one way street).*I will send out online RSVP forms closer to the dates. You must complete an RSVP form to attend, and you must attend to receive your discount on the AED purchase.
• If for some reason you, or a representative from your business/organization cannot attend one of these sessions, please indicate the reason on the application where a space is provided.

• Follow this link and complete the brief application by Friday, February 28, 2025: AED Interest Survey – 2025

• All applicants will be notified by Monday, March 3 of the results of their submission.
• If you are a chosen business/organization, you will be asked to RSVP to one of the educational sessions.
• By this time, the total value of the grant, and therefore your financial responsibility will be determined. You will be asked to pay your portion while in attendance at the scheduled sessions and upon completion of those sessions, units will be ordered. You will receive receipts for the amount you pay toward the purchase of a unit.

Do not hesitate to reach out at any time with questions by calling our office at 218-246-4212.

We look forward to supporting you and your business/organization in providing these devices to all who live, work and play in our area!