September 15, 2026 | By Michael H. Babcock
Updated October 6, 2026: All 30 AEDs have been distributed after originally distributing 20 and calling out for organizations wanting one
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is distributing 20 automated external defibrillators to 10 organizations across the Copper Country, making this the foundation's second round of AED distributions since 2022.
The foundation ordered 30 AEDs total. With 20 now headed out to organizations and municipalities that reached out directly requesting one, 10 units remain available for other 501(c)(3) nonprofits and municipalities in need. Interested organizations should contact Grants Manager Mary Jo Munch at mmunch@coppershores.org or 1 (906) 523-5920 x2003.
Cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and it can happen to anyone at any time. Having AEDs located throughout the community, paired with staff and volunteers trained to use one, can be the difference between life and death in those critical first minutes before emergency responders arrive.
"This is a simple way for Copper Shores to support the emergency health needs in our community," said Kevin Store, President/CEO of Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. "Although AEDs should be as commonplace as fire extinguishers in public spaces, we know the cost of each unit often creates an affordability barrier and reduces the number of units made available. We hope this helps address some of that need."
The following organizations received AEDs originally
- Arvon Township School — 1
- Aura Fire Department — 2
- Baraga Fire Department — 1
- Bay Ambulance — 6
- Calumet Theatre — 1
- Copper Harbor Downtown Development Authority — 2
- Copper Harbor Trails Club — 1
- Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College — 1
- Keweenaw County Sheriff's Office — 2
- L'Anse Fire Department — 2
- L'Anse Police Department — 1
The following organizations received the final 10
