STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) is proud to announce an initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of student-athletes, coaches and spectators across the state.
The WIAA distributed Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to 24 high schools throughout Wisconsin, in partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations Foundation. Fourteen of the AEDs were distributed randomly at the Area Meetings. Two schools in each of the seven districts received the units. The remaining 10 were distributed using the Department of Public Instruction Free & Reduced lunch data.
“The safety of student-athletes is our top priority,” said Stephanie Hauser, Executive Director of the WIAA. “By supplying additional AEDs to schools we are taking a proactive step toward ensuring a safe environment for all participants in interscholastic athletics.”
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death among young athletes. AEDs, when used promptly, can significantly increase the chances of survival. This initiative aligns with the WIAA’s commitment to promoting the health and safety of all student-athletes, coaches and spectators.
“The NFHS Foundation was instrumental in this initiative, offering partial funding and support for distributing AEDs. “We are proud to partner with the WIAA on this vital mission,” said NFHS Foundation President, Davis Whitfield. "Together, we can make a significant impact and save the lives of young athletes across Wisconsin by providing access to this essential device.”
The distribution of AEDs is a significant step towards creating a safer environment for high school sports in Wisconsin. The WIAA requires all paid head coaches to be AED and first aid certified, and all WIAA member schools are required to have an emergency action plan. The WIAA and its partners are committed to continuing their efforts to protect the health and well-being of student-athletes, coaches, and spectators.
“We are grateful for the support and partnership of the WIAA and the NFHS Foundation in providing our school with an AED,” said Alex Larson, Athletic Director for Abbotsford High School. “This new addition will greatly enhance our ability to respond to any potential emergencies during sporting events, ensuring the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, and spectators.”
“We appreciate the collaboration and generous support from the WIAA and NFHS Foundation in providing our school with an AED,” said Nicole Ward, Athletic Director for Cudahy High School. “This vital equipment significantly boosts our emergency preparedness during athletic events, prioritizing the safety and health of our athletes, staff, and fans.”
Below is the list of high schools who have received an AED.
Abbotsford High School
Arcadia High School
Ashland High School
Baldwin-Woodville High School
Barron High School
Bayfield High School
Beloit Memorial High School
Black River Falls High School
Blair-Taylor High School
Bowler High School
Cornell High School
Cudahy High School
Deerfield High School
Delavan-Darien High School
Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
Fuller Collegiate Academy
Ladysmith High School
Madison Memorial High School
Notre Dame Academy
Pulaski High School
River Ridge High School
St. Thomas More High School
Stratford High School
Westosha Central High School
The WIAA, as defined by its Constitution, is a voluntary, unincorporated, and nonprofit organization. The membership oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 513 senior high schools and 36 junior high/middle level schools in its membership.
# WIAA #