Sentara funds lifesaving heart devices for rural North Carolina sheriff's deputies

Sentara Cares has awarded an $8,000 community grant to the Camden County Sheriff’s Office to support the purchase of five automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for patrol vehicles. 

Camden County, one of the most rural areas in northeastern North Carolina, has only one primary care office and limited access to immediate medical services. For residents experiencing cardiac arrest, early intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

Sheriff J. Kevin Jones said the department applied for the Sentara Cares grant because deputies are often the first to arrive on emergency scenes.

“Our county covers a huge territory, and EMS response can take time simply because of the distance,” said Sheriff Jones. “If one of my deputies gets to a cardiac emergency before EMS, and that happens often, we need to be able to start lifesaving measures right away. These AEDs give us that chance.”

AEDs are designed to deliver a controlled electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. When used within minutes, they can dramatically increase survival rates. In rural communities, where definitive care is farther away, equipping law enforcement with AEDs is increasingly recognized as a vital public health strategy.

Teresa Watson, president of Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, said the decision to fund the request reflects Sentara’s commitment to strengthening emergency response capacity across northeastern North Carolina.

“We know Camden is a large, rural county, and we understand the challenges that come with long transport times,” Watson said. “Supporting the Sheriff’s Office with AEDs is a practical, high‑impact way to help deputies intervene earlier and save lives. It also signals our ongoing commitment to partnering with communities across the region to improve health and safety.”

Sheriff Jones called the grant a proactive investment in public safety.

“We brought the issue forward because we knew we had a gap,” he said. “Sentara listened, and they stepped up. That means a lot to us and to the people we serve.”

The five AEDs will be deployed across the patrol fleet, ensuring that deputies on routine patrol or responding to calls have immediate access to the devices.

Watson said Sentara Cares will continue to prioritize rural health needs in northeastern North Carolina.

“Our relationship with counties like Camden is important,” Watson said. “We want residents to know we’re here, we’re listening, and we’re committed to supporting solutions that make a real difference.”