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WHEELING, W.Va. (May 29, 2015)- – Lifesaving equipment has been donated to Oglebay Institute by MedExpress, a leader in providing neighborhood walk-in health care, as part of its commitment to improving the health of the communities it serves. An AED (automated external defibrillator) will be placed in OI’s School of Dance, providing thousands of students, parents, visitors, teachers and staff members with added protection in the event of a sudden cardiac event.

An AED is a device about the size of a laptop computer that analyzes the heart’s rhythm for any abnormalities and, if necessary, directs the rescuer to deliver an electrical shock to the victim. This shock, called defibrillation, may help the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm of its own.

According to the American Heart Association, the survival rates of cardiac arrests that occur outside of hospitals nearly double when an AED is administered in addition to CPR. While CPR is essential to maintain blood flow through the heart, an AED is imperative for maintaining natural heart rhythm that can help prevent not only death but brain damage as well.

“We hope that will never have to use this device. But in the event of a cardiac emergency, having quick access to an AED provides precious minutes before EMS arrives,” said OI director of dance Cheryl Pompeo. “We are incredibly grateful to MedExpress for providing this equipment, which could truly mean the difference between life and death.”

“It’s our privilege to partner with like-minded organizations, such as the Oglebay Institute, that share our commitment to the health and well-being of the community,” said Dan Neely, Regional Vice President of Operations, MedExpress. “We’re proud to offer support and provide a tool that might one day save a life.”

MedExpress recently revealed a new branding approach in Wheeling, Weirton, Elm Grove and Glen Dale that includes a new logo and redesigned exteriors to welcome and comfort patients. As a neighborhood medical center, MedExpress offers a broad scope of urgent care, employer health and basic wellness and prevention services and works to coordinate care with other area health care providers. MedExpress is a proud partner of schools and charitable organizations throughout the region. The neighborhood medical centers play an important role in the community’s health care, offering convenient features that help most patients get the care they need in under an hour. With an X-ray suite and on-site lab, the center can diagnose and treat most health care needs in one location.

Formed in 1930 and recognized as the oldest arts council in the nation, the multi-faceted, nonprofit Oglebay Institute serves as the cultural hub of Wheeling, presenting hundreds of programs each year in the arts, nature and history.

OI operates six facilities in Wheeling –The Mansion and Glass Museums, Stifel Fine Arts Center, Towngate Theatre & Cinema, Schrader Environmental Education Center and the School of Dance–and annually serves more than 100,000 patrons of all ages.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — Educators Michael J. Kelly and Richard L. Morgan were honored today with the 2015 Community Outreach Award from United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, in recognition of their dedication to the education and enrichment of local students through the ANCHOR Program at Madison Elementary School.

Madison Elementary School on Wheeling Island serves communities that have been particularly impacted by poverty, drugs, and violence. Often, the children growing up in these neighborhoods are not afforded the resources and opportunities to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. The ANCHOR Program is an after-school resource designed to provide education and social enrichment. The program plays an integral role in providing academic support and other activities, each and every day, for at-risk students. The goal is simple: to enhance academic achievement, community engagement, and social and emotional awareness. The ANCHOR Program provides educational support, physical activity, as well as exposure to the arts and other community resources.

Michael Kelly is the longest serving member of the ANCHOR Program staff. He has dedicated himself to the students of Madison Elementary School for the past 12 years. Beginning in 1978, he gained invaluable insight as a classroom teacher. He retired in June 2014 and devotes even more of his time to the ANCHOR Program.

For the past two years, Richard Morgan has served as the Director of the ANCHOR Program. He is also the director of the Stifel Fine Arts Center, which allows Rick to bring art and creative outlets into the organized activities of the ANCHOR Program. The program has greatly benefited from his dynamic personality and knowledge of community efforts and partnerships.

Today’s awards ceremony took place at the United States Post Office and Federal Courthouse in Wheeling and included remarks from U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey and U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. A variety of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies were represented along with community leaders, volunteers, and advocates.