HELENA — The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has received a $3.2 million grant to help cardiac arrest patients across the state.
Gov. Steve Bullock says the money will be used to implement an initiative called Cardiac Ready Communities over the next three years. Bullock announced the gift from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust on Wednesday at the Capitol.
Most of the money will fund the purchase of more than 200 automatic compression devices that allow people to perform CPR longer and more consistently. Bullock says the devices will be distributed to every Montana community with organized emergency medical services.
Jim DeTienne with the health department’s Emergency Medical Services says more than one-quarter of all deaths in Montana are attributed to cardiovascular disease.