Pilot AED Program for MTA Transit Stops Gains Community Backing

 In June 2023, a resolution to bring the first life-saving automatic external defibrillator (AED) program to MTA transit locations with initial funding from St. Vartan Park Conservancy received overwhelming approval from Manhattan Community Board 6 (CB6).

CB6 member and Conservancy founder Kevin O’Keefe, who championed the program to the Conservancy for funding and CB6 for community support, spoke on behalf of the resolution before a vote of 36 CB6 members in favor and none opposed.

Sent in a letter to MTA chairman and CEO Janno Lieber, the resolution notes, "the nonprofit organization St. Vartan Park Conservancy, Inc., has committed to funding a pilot AED transit station at or near the M15 SBS First Avenue/34th Street stop or at or near the M15 SBS Second Avenue/34th Street stop, part of the conservancy’s mission to improve the St. Vartan Park community."

The AED is widely regarded as the most effective medical device for the emergency treatment of sufferers of cardiac arrest. 

O’Keefe has taken the lead on securing additional funding for the program, which he envisions to eventually bring to parks and other public areas.