“It’s impossible to predict who might have a cardiac arrest and where they might have it,” shares Dr. James Beckerman, medical director, heart programs, Providence Heart Institute. “The more we can normalize AED use in our various communities, the more people will be comfortable using them, when necessary.”

Through the Providence Heart Institute's Basecamp Prevention + Wellness programming, these automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are distributed within our communities via the AED Donation Program. “Until AEDs are available universally, there’s always going to be a need for providing them. We want to be a part of that,” says Dr. Beckerman. By utilizing funds donated to support Basecamp's community-based programs, approximately 20 devices are donated each year* to qualified organizations throughout Oregon and Southern Washington.

In April 2025, the program celebrated its 150th device donation. These AEDs are distributed to non-profit organizations consisting of community groups, educational facilities, community athletics, social and community services, and religious organizations. Applicants submit their information along with an impact statement to help us learn more on how the AED will serve the organization's community, as well as the larger community in which they are located.

When a bystander uses an AED within the first minute of cardiac arrest, 9 out of 10 people live.**
As a person’s chance of survival drops by approximately 10% every minute a normal heartbeat isn’t restored**, bystanders play a significant role in one’s survivability through CPR and use of an AED ahead of emergency services arrival.

Historical Overview

The concept of community AED donations was originally initiated by Providence Sports Medicine where a partnership with the Portland Timbers and Thorns funded the purchase of the devices. Soon thereafter, in late 2017, a collaboration with the Providence Heart Institute and Basecamp Prevention + Wellness helped cultivate the donation program to what it is today. And where the generosity of others through the Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation continues to support the endeavor.

Community Impact

The 155 donated devices represent a value-add to our communities totaling more than $310,000.

On average, 55% of the donated devices are distributed within urban locations and 45% to rural locations.

The retail price of an AED can exceed $2,000 along with ongoing maintenance expenses every few years. The price point can be a barrier for non-profits, and we’ve learned of stories where the expense prevented the ability to purchase and then a cardiac event happens within that community. We are fortunate to partner with a vendor who helps make the devices more affordable as we purchase in bulk to then distribute to the recipient organizations. This vendor also offers free on-site CPR training (not certification) and AED device training so that those with access to the device can lend a life-saving hand. This also helps fulfill a commitment the recipient organization makes upon application: having at least one staff member trained in CPR and AED use. In addition, they commit to registering the device with their local firehouse and with the PulsePoint app as this supports their larger community AED response.

When every second counts, we want folks to have an AED on hand and the trained confidence to help save a life.

*No AEDs were distributed January 2020-September 2021 due to the pandemic.
** Source: American Heart Association. www.heart.org/aed

How to Apply

Know of a non-profit organization located in Oregon or Southern Washington who could benefit from an AED for their cardiac safety plan? Share our website and encourage they apply. www.providencebasecamp.org/aeddonation

A Photo Collection of Past Recipients