Donation provides AEDs for local pediatric clinics

JOPLIN, Mo. — Christmas comes a little early for a couple of local clinics.

Members of Arvest Bank traveled to Mercy Hospital Joplin to make a check presentation today. A five thousand dollar donation will pay for the cost of placing pediatric defibrillators at the Mercy Clinic Pediatrics on 50th Street and the other at Mercy Pediatrics in Carthage.

An external pediatric defibrillator can be used to treat a child whose heart has suddenly stopped working.

That equipment will allow caregivers to act fast in the event of an emergency, using appropriately sized equipment.

The goal is to be prepared in case the worst happens.

"Having an AED at our clinic will help us be prepared better for that, you cannot predict what can happen with patients especially during respiratory season when they're sick," said Dr. Umer Muhammad, Mercy Pediatrician.

"One of the most fun things that I get to do in my job is to go out into the community as a community banker to be able to give to other organizations in the community is the best part of my job," said Rebecca Dunham, Arvest Bank Sales Manager.

Since 2018, the Arvest Foundation has provided more than $37,000 of support across southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas.