HARRISBURG, PA – The Peyton Walker Foundation, in partnership with the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, donated eight automated external defibrillators (AEDs) with secure cabinets to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU). The Peyton Walker Foundation and UPMC Pinnacle Foundation joined HU staff today at the UPMC Health Sciences Tower at Harrisburg University to deliver this life-saving equipment.
Working with the Peyton Walker Foundation, the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation has supported the purchase of the AEDs and locking cabinets and the gift includes future required equipment maintenance. The Peyton Walker Foundation will also spearhead necessary training for HU faculty and staff.
Julie Walker – Peyton’s mother and executive director of the Peyton Walker Foundation – said, “AEDs are important because they strengthen the Chain of Survival. They can restore a normal heart rhythm in victims of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. New, portable AEDs enable more people to respond to a medical emergency that requires defibrillation, ultimately saving lives.”
Sudden Cardiac Arrest results in more than 350,000 deaths in the US every year. However, proper prevention and bystander response can save lives. A study cited by the National Institutes of Health reveals a far higher likelihood of survival (67 percent) when bystanders use AEDs on cardiac arrest victims compared to waiting for emergency responders to administer treatment (43 percent).
Jessica Ritchie, President of the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, highlighted, “Teaming up with the Peyton Walker Foundation underscores our commitment to enhancing community health. This donation not only showcases the impact of collaborations but also actively fosters a healthier and safer future for Harrisburg University and its community.”
Marking the occasion and accepting the AEDs, Harrisburg University Provost, Cameron J. McCoy, PhD, said, “With the arrival of these AEDs, our laboratory spaces become even more fully equipped for our staff and students. Placing these devices on our campus shows our commitment to being a world-class destination for health science instruction by deploying evidence-based intervention techniques. It shows that we practice what we teach.”
Harrisburg University provides affordable, world-class instruction in healthcare and health sciences and continues to expand its academic offerings. In 2023, the University obtained accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (EXSC) degree program. In the fall of 2025, the University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree program will enroll its first class of students. These offerings join a robust program with the UPMC School of Nursing and programs in support of pre-med undergraduate students, including biotechnology and integrative sciences.
Harrisburg University thanks the UPMC Pinnacle Health Foundation and the Peyton Walker Foundation for their generosity and their continuing commitments to public health.
ABOUT THE UPMC PINNACLE FOUNDATION
The UPMC Pinnacle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates charitable giving to support community benefit and education programs, the needs of seven hospitals, and resources that improve access to, and quality of, care throughout UPMC in Central PA. With nearly 100 different funds that benefit the hospitals as well as the community, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation invests locally in the resources and people that continually make the life-changing medicine of UPMC in Central PA a reality. All money raised by the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation remains in Central Pennsylvania to support programs and services at UPMC in Central PA. For more information, visit UPMCPinnacleFoundation.org.
ABOUT THE PEYTON WALKER FOUNDATION
The Peyton Walker Foundation was established in memory of 19-year-old Peyton, whose young and vibrant life was stolen by Sudden Cardiac Arrest on November 2, 2013. Motivation to establish the foundation came from the Albert Pines quote emblazoned on the shirt Peyton was wearing on November 2nd: “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.” The Foundation’s goal is to save young lives so that other families never know the heartache of losing a child without warning to Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about the University’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717-901-5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACTS
UPMC Pinnacle Foundation
Stephanie Benamor
410.456.3551
The Peyton Walker Foundation
Julie Walker
717.695.1917
Harrisburg University
Jessica Warren
717.901.5146
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