AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union Partners with The Peyton Walker Foundation to Increase Awareness and Survival Rates for Sudden Cardiac Arrest
In recognition of American Heart Month, this campaign featured community donation drives, hands-on CPR/AED demonstrations, and matching initiatives to expand access to lifesaving equipment.
MECHANICSBURG, PA — AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union joined forces with The Peyton Walker Foundation throughout February to advance their shared mission: raising funds, increasing awareness, and improving survival rates for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Together, the organizations encouraged members, staff, and the Greater Central Pennsylvania community to participate in educational initiatives and fundraising efforts to expand access to lifesaving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
Through the month-long campaign, AmeriChoice, its members, and the community raised a total of $6,395.29 in support of The Peyton Walker Foundation. These funds will help The Peyton Walker Foundation continue “checking hearts, protecting hearts, and saving lives” through free heart screenings, CPR & AED training, and overall awareness for Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
"Our commitment to community wellbeing goes beyond financial health; it extends to the physical wellness of our neighbors," said Ken Dyer, President & CEO of AmeriChoice. Donations were collected at all AmeriChoice branch locations, reinforcing the credit union’s mission to protect the communities it serves.
National Youth Heart Screening Day: Protecting Young Hearts
On February 7, AmeriChoice staff members volunteered alongside the Peyton Walker Foundation for National Youth Heart Screening Day at Cedar Cliff H.S., offering free heart screenings open to the public.
Community Appreciation Day: Turning Awareness Into Action
On February 13, AmeriChoice hosted a special Community Appreciation Day to bridge the gap between heart health education and emergency preparedness. The event featured heart-healthy snacks and live AED and CPR demonstrations, offering participants the opportunity to learn how these tools and techniques can help save lives during cardiac emergencies. The first 20 donors received heart-shaped warmies as a token of appreciation for their support.
Visibility Matters: Staff and Members "Go Purple" for SCA in Honor of Peyton Walker
On February 19, AmeriChoice staff and members wore purple to honor the legacy of Peyton Walker. This visual tribute served as a catalyst for conversations around SCA prevention and the critical need for public-access AEDs in gyms, schools, and community centers.
Double Match Days Amplified Community Contributions
To accelerate fundraising goals, AmeriChoice hosted "Double Match Days" from February 26 through February 28. During this window, the credit union matched community contributions, effectively doubling the resources available for the Foundation’s AED and sudden cardiac arrest awareness initiatives.
Ongoing Partnership Supports Lifesaving Equipment Access
AmeriChoice maintains a year-round partnership with The Peyton Walker Foundation to help offset the costs of replacing batteries and pads for its AED machines. This continued collaboration ensures ongoing support for programs focused on cardiac arrest awareness, education, heart screenings, and access to lifesaving technology.
Through initiatives like this, AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union and The Peyton Walker Foundation continue working together to strengthen community preparedness and help ensure more individuals have access to critical emergency response tools when they are needed most.
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