The popular Health Sciences North 50/50 cash lottery draw is paying off for the community with the purchase of several new defibrillators for use in the emergency department as well as other critical care departments at the hospital.
Health Sciences North (HSN) Foundation, NEO Kids Foundation, the Northern Cancer Foundation, and the HSN Volunteer Association were proud and excited to announce on Friday that the funds raised in the popular HSN 50/50 Cash Lottery for the North will be helping to buy the new equipment.
A defibrillator is a life-saving device used to shock someone’s heart back to normal rhythm during cardiac arrest, said a news release from the HSN Foundation. Defibrillators benefit everyone and can be used to help children, teens, and adults in an emergency situations, said the foundation.
“Cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when someone’s heart stops beating. When this occurs, blood is not circulating throughout the body and death is imminent within minutes if there is no medical intervention,” said Dr. Robert Ohle, Emergency Department Physician at HSN.
“Defibrillators are an important tool that aid in the resuscitation of those experiencing cardiac arrest. It can save someone’s life."
Ohle said the medical staff is grateful for the fundraising effort because people in the community are making a difference. His outlook was shared by Anthony Keating, President and CDO of Foundations and Volunteer Groups at the hospital.
“I am in constant awe of our community. We continue to receive outstanding support for our 50/50 draw month after month and being able to use these funds to support the purchase of vital pieces of equipment for our hospital and the patients of northeastern Ontario is an
exceptional feeling,” said Keating, in the news release.
The foundation said January draw tickets are still available for purchase, with sales ending at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 1st, 2021. Tickets can be purchased online. On Saturday afternoon, the January jackpot was posted at more than $288,000 and climbing.
