The Essex Association of ABCNJ is excited to announce that it has received funding for its Community Outreach Healthy Church Initiative (COHCI). On December 5th, 2019 the Health Care Foundation of the Oranges (HCFO) awarded the Essex Association of the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey $50,000 to fund its AED- Automated External Defibrillator proposal.

The Essex Association will purchase approximately thirty-six Automated External Defibrillators (AED), it will provide certified AED training for seventy-two church leaders/church staff and or representatives. Training will consist of the proper use of the defibrillators, First Aid and CPR training. This initiative will extend over a two-year period. Brochures, posters and training would take place over a two year period and will include thirty six churches.

Currently out of sixty-seven churches, only two are equipped with AEDs. With the assistance of Health Care Foundation of the Oranges (HCFO), phase one of COHCI will allow for 50% of Essex Association churches to be better prepared for sudden cardiac arrest. Our goal is to move from 1% preparedness to 100% readiness if the need occurs to resuscitate someone in cardiac arrest.

This grant will improve the quality of life within the Essex Association of the ABCNJ, primarily within churches in Newark, Orange, East Orange and Irvington. AEDs will improve our churches overall posture in assisting people who may experience medical emergencies while in our presence.

It is with great excitement, compassion for urban and outreach ministry that the Essex Association will move forward with this project. To God be the glory!