SCOTTSDALE, AZ (August 12, 2025) – Adding onto its initiative to provide statewide impact through the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Assistance Program presented by BHHS Legacy Foundation, Fiesta Sports Foundation increased its commitment in 2025 to fill a critical need on Arizona school campuses.
In the second year of the Fiesta Sports Foundation AED Assistance Program presented by BHHS Legacy Foundation, 21 total schools across Phoenix received certified AED training and equipment. As a result of the training and equipment, more than 9,400 students and 1,200 teachers were positively impacted.
“At Fiesta Sports Foundation, we prioritize identifying real needs and turning them into impactful solutions, especially in the areas of youth, sports and education,” said Fiesta Sports Foundation Chief Impact Officer Kristina Chumpol. “When we recognized a gap in access to life-saving training and equipment in schools, we took action to help make campuses safer for everyone. Our partnership with BHHS Legacy has only grown stronger and, together, we’re proud to expand a program that is making a measurable difference in school safety efforts across Arizona.”
Fiesta Sports Foundation selected the Murphy Elementary School District, Riverside School District, Phoenix Elementary School District, Wilson School District, Western School of Science and Technology and Pioneer Preparatory School as recipients in this year’s program.
There were 50 teachers and staff members from the four Phoenix school districts and two schools who received AED, CPR and first aid training from American Red Cross. Under the instructor model, the 50 staff members became certified instructors, enabling them to lead future trainings at their respective schools and districts. Each district also received an instructor training kit, allowing them to host future training events.
“BHHS Legacy Foundation is proud to continue our partnership with Fiesta Sports Foundation in the funding and implementation of the much-needed Automated External Defibrillator (AED) assistance program for selected public schools,” said Gerald Wissink, BHHS Legacy Foundation CEO. “Having school staff members trained in CPR, plus making AEDs available in the schools, will help to make the school buildings safer for students and staff. This also encourages schools to develop or update emergency response plans, which will make the schools better prepared to respond to any future sudden cardiac events.”
As a result of the training, 1,215 staff members across the impacted schools can become CPR/AED certified themselves. The training will potentially benefit more than 9,400 Arizona students.
Following the trainings, Fiesta Sports Foundation and BHHS Legacy Foundation presented a total of 25 AED units at celebration ceremonies with members from all 21 schools.
“This generous donation from the Fiesta Sports Foundation is incredibly valuable to the Phoenix Elementary School District. With enough AEDs to equip every school and even provide one for field trips, this support enhances the safety of our students, staff, families, and all who visit our campuses,” said Phoenix Elementary School District Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives Sara Sims. “We are also grateful for the additional training provided to our health services team, ensuring we’re prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in emergencies. This partnership strengthens our commitment to creating safe and supportive learning environments.”
In 2024, the Fiesta Sports Foundation, with the support of BHHS Legacy Foundation, developed the AED Assistance Program upon learning that no state regulations required AED equipment on school campuses. Furthermore, there are no legislative requirements for CPR/AED training in Arizona.
Through a survey of Arizona schools conducted by Fiesta Sports Foundation, 27% of respondents indicated that they did not currently have an AED on campus. Additionally, 28% of respondents shared that they did not have staff trained to use an AED.
Average emergency response time across Arizona is approximately 10 minutes and the odds of survival for someone experiencing a cardiac episode are 40% when just CPR is used. When an AED is implemented correctly, the chances of survival increase to 80% when used in addition to CPR.
Interested schools who would like to receive benefits from the AED program in future years may complete an interest form here.