Russell’s backs AED mapping push across Western New York

Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More is giving a $25,000 title sponsorship to help Cardiac Crusade map automated external defibrillators across Erie and Niagara counties. The campaign aims to speed 911 response, improve bystander access to AEDs and expand public awareness after high-profile cardiac arrest cases raised urgency around rapid intervention.

Why it matters: - Sudden cardiac arrest kills more than 350,000 people a year outside hospitals nationwide, and survival rates remain below 10%. - The campaign is designed to help 911 dispatchers and bystanders find nearby AEDs faster, which can improve survival chances when every second counts. - The push focuses on Erie and Niagara counties, where hidden AEDs in businesses, offices, schools and other buildings can be the difference between life and death.

What happened: - Russell’s Steaks, Chops & More in Williamsville partnered with Cardiac Crusade on a 2026 Western New York Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness and Community AED Mapping Initiative. - Russell J. Salvatore and managing partner Mark Jerge backed the effort with a $25,000 title sponsorship. - The initiative is aimed at expanding AED mapping across Western New York, with a specific focus on Erie and Niagara counties. - The partnership includes a holiday media flight on WGRZ-TV Channel 2 and WGRZ+ streaming in December.

The details: - Cardiac Crusade is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Greg and Julie Coon after Julie survived cardiac arrest. - The nonprofit is building a free centralized database of AEDs for 911 emergency dispatch centers and is working toward integration into consumer navigation platforms such as Google Maps and Apple Maps. - Cardiac Crusade says it has already registered more than 12,000 AED locations nationwide. - Local volunteers and schools, including Orchard Park School District students, have previously logged more than 1,200 AEDs across the region and around the world. - The sponsorship will support community mapping outreach, volunteer recruitment, educational materials and media distribution. - A public service announcement produced by longtime commercial video partner Dan Monroe features Salvatore and highlights an AED mounted at the restaurant’s front desk. - The PSA ends with the message: “If someone collapses and is not breathing: Call 911, start CPR, get an AED.” - Russell’s says it has a ZOLL AED mounted at its front desk. - Western New York businesses, building owners, educators and property managers can submit and verify AEDs for free at cardiaccrusade.org. - Volunteer registration and community mapping tools are available on the same portal. - The release includes Cardiac Crusade social accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Between the lines: - The effort is tapping Buffalo-area identity and the response to Damar Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest to turn public awareness into local infrastructure. - Cardiac Crusade’s core argument is that AEDs often exist in communities already, but they remain ineffective if dispatchers and bystanders do not know where they are. - Salvatore’s role gives the campaign a recognizable local voice and a hospitality-focused message that links preparedness with everyday community life.

What’s next: - Cardiac Crusade will use the sponsorship to recruit more volunteers and expand AED mapping in Western New York. - The December media campaign is expected to push more property owners to register existing AEDs. - The nonprofit wants dispatch systems and consumer maps to make AED locations easier to find in real time.

The bottom line: - The partnership is meant to turn AEDs from hidden equipment into visible emergency tools that can be reached in seconds.