The Louis Acompora Foundation has donated a new outdoor AED SaveStation to Howitt Middle School in the Farmingdale School District, helping provide immediate access to lifesaving equipment for the school’s athletic fields.

The Northport-based organization was founded in memory of 14-year-old Louis Acompora, who died in 2000 after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during his first high school lacrosse game. More than 25 years later, his parents continue their mission to help ensure other athletes and community members have rapid access to AEDs during cardiac emergencies.

“Sudden cardiac arrest can happen at any time and strike people who appear old and young alike, and people who appear perfectly healthy, like my son Louis, who died during his first lacrosse game.”

— Karen Acompora

A dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting were held at Howitt Middle School’s athletic complex, where the new AED will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

No special training is required to use the AED. The device provides step-by-step instructions to guide a bystander through its use during an emergency.

The installation is part of the Louis Acompora Foundation’s ongoing work to expand access to lifesaving AEDs at schools and athletic fields throughout local communities.