New AED Equipment Installed at Both IDS Campuses Through Emergency Preparedness Grant

Tue, 06/03/2025 - 02:01pm | By: IDS Staff

The Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) at The University of Southern Mississippi is proud to announce the installation of new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at its Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campus locations. The acquisition of these AED units was made possible through the "I Want to Help" grant program, funded by the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities. 

I Want to Help is a one-year emergency preparedness training initiative designed to enhance safety skills for individuals with disabilities and those who support them. Emergency training techniques, such as basic First Aid and CPR, are valuable skills for persons seeking growth to become more independent and self-confident.

In addition to the two AED units, the I Want to Help grant provided funding for the purchase of more emergency training equipment. This equipment includes epi-pen training tools, infant and adult CPR mannequins, and CPR resuscitation masks, all of which will be used in future emergency readiness trainings.

The installation and accessibility of these AEDs marks a significant step forward in increasing overall health and safety measures at IDS and reflects a broader mission to foster inclusive, supportive and safe communities across the state of Mississippi.

According to Tyler Johnson, program coordinator, “Many times, individuals with disabilities feel overwhelmed during an emergency. Some even express a sense of guilt afterwards because they feel helpless when these emergencies occur. With the I Want to Help program, our goal is for participants to gain new skills that will allow them to take a more active role in helping others in their communities.”

I Want to Help is a service provided by the IDS at Southern Miss and Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. It is funded by the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities. Click here to learn more about I Want to Help, call 601.266.5163, or email%20IDS.