Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association - Bakersfield Chapter

Mission: The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, Bakersfield Chapter was formed in memory of my 14 year old daughter, Olivia Corinne Hoff. Olivia died as a result of Sudden Cardiac Arrest due to an undiagnosed heart condition known as Long QT Syndrome. Long QT is a disturbance of the heart's electrical system, causing abnormality of the heart's rhythm. Death from Long QT is preventable through proper diagnosis and treatment. Following this tragic loss, we started a grassroots campaign to raise awareness among schools and youth organizations about the importance of having Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Educating ourselves and others on the issues, obstacles, and benefits of SCA prevention, resuscitation, and treatment. We want to contribute meaningful service to our community. While diverse backgrounds and talents will lend to the success of programming set forth, it is important to establish the specific aims of the local chapter, based on its greatest needs, be it peer support for SCA survivors, awareness of the need for defibrillators in all of our schools, public places, and focusing on SCA prevention. The main outcomes of this support will be: 1) Continued expansion of our work in the community for the prevention of unexpected death among youth and young adults; 2) To provide and encourage increased numbers of screenings to eliminate any parent from having to lose a child to SCA; 3) To promote for training classes of CPR and AEDs; 4) To purchase AEDs The main outcomes of this support will be: 1) Continued expansion of our work in the community for the prevention of unexpected death among youth and young adults; 2) To provide and encourage increased numbers of screenings to eliminate any parent from having to lose a child to SCA; 3) To promote for training classes of CPR and AEDs; 4) To purchase AEDs for placement in the community and launch the Public Access Defibrillator program on a wider scale throughout the community, and 5) Lives saved.