To kick off American Heart Month, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center has announced a $25,000 grant to Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation to support the placement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in businesses and public facilities across Central and Northern Virginia while also increasing awareness and CPR training.
“Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation serves as a catalyst for saving lives by increasing survival rates for individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest through immediate, life-saving intervention by trained community members,” said Ryan Deweese, chief executive officer of Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. “The organization equips communities with proven, life-saving practices by training individuals in Hands-Only CPR and expanding access to AEDs in businesses and public spaces.”
In 2025, the Fredericksburg-based Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation placed AEDs serving approximately 16,500 people across the Commonwealth. The $25,000 gift from the HCA Healthcare Foundation will provide CPR training to over 2,700 individuals as well as the placement of eight AEDs in high-traffic locations across Richmond and Northern Virginia, increasing public readiness and improving outcomes in cardiac emergencies.
“Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation is deeply grateful to the HCA Healthcare Foundation for this generous support,” said Jennifer Griffin, president and co-founder of the foundation. “By offering free Hands-Only CPR and AED training, we are empowering individuals to step forward with confidence, lead in their communities, and ultimately save lives. Together, we are strengthening communities and improving emergency response when it matters most.”
The funding is part of the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, a $75 million community impact fund designed to support innovative initiatives focused on addressing high priority community needs and health equity.
“This grant allows us to expand our lifesaving programs in a very tangible way,” said Veronica Gutierrez, executive director of Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation. “With these funds, we will provide Hands-Only CPR training to thousands more community members and place AEDs in high-traffic locations where minutes truly matter. These resources will directly increase survival changes and save lives across the region.”