Story & Photography by Woody Woodard

The Friends of Heart Black Tie & Blue Jeans 2022 is presented by West Tennessee Healthcare, was a rousing success as a large group turned out for the silent and live auctions, the amazing meal, and great music by G-3. A fun photo booth was set for some impromptu pictures. A unique Whisky Pull offering special brand and flavor to the custom line of liquors is always a competitive opportunity. This combo of fun, entertainment and financial support to provide heart-saving AED defibrillators to the Jackson community. Jackson is designated as a four-minute heart-saver community, according to Friends of Heart.

 The re-engineered AED operating system and city program means that anyone having a heart attack within the city should be four minutes from an AED module, carried by a qualified and trained individual. Jackson is one of just a few cities with this national designation. The goal is saving lives! Previous module builds are replaced by the upgraded intelligence operation and non-medical person required operator. 

 The former AED units are still available and are going into rural areas where people are at greater distance from immediate medical personnel. They are given to sheriff and fire personnel, who are the first responders to people in rural areas.