Senator Flanagan Secures Funding For Art League Of Long Island

Senator John J. Flanagan (2^nd Senate District) announced recently that he has been able to secure $10,000 in state funding for the Art League of Long Island. The funding will offset the cost of the purchase of an automated external defibrillator (AED) for the organization’s gallery home.

The automated external defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device that is able to check a person’s heart rhythm. It also will alert a respondent that a shock is needed and use voice prompts, lights, and text messages to enable a respondent to issue assistance. "We hope to never need this defibrillator but are glad to have it on the premises as an added safety measure for the public we serve," stated Executive Director Edward McEvoy.

The Art League was additionally able to utilize the funding to cover the cost of training its entire staff in the usage of the device. This will ensure that if an emergency arises involving one of the patrons or staff at the Art League, there will always be someone available who is able to utilize this life saving equipment.

According to the American Heart Association, a victim’s chance of survival decreases by 7-10 percent for every minute that passes without defibrillation. The AHA estimates that 250,000 Americans die each year from sudden cardiac arrest outside of the hospital, and that a quarter of these deaths could have been prevented if a defibrillator was available for immediate use.

"The Art League of Long Island is a great place for area residents to enjoy the art of Long Island and a great place for children to discover a love and appreciation of art. The AED should now make it a safe place for the residents of Long Island and I am glad to play a small role in that. I congratulate the entire staff for learning how to use the device and for making sure that residents of all ages can enjoy the diverse culture of our region," said Senator Flanagan.

Organized by a small group of local artists over 50 years ago, the Art League of Long Island is the oldest and largest not-for-profit visual arts organization of its kind on Long Island. It is located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills and is open to the public seven days a week. To learn more about this organization and to view a schedule of their art classes, residents can visit www.artleagueli.org or call 631-462-5400.