QUINCY (WGEM) – The Quincy Medical Group Foundation, in partnership with the Tim Haley Fund, has opened applications for local schools and nonprofits to apply for a grant to purchase automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

In 2017, Tim Haley passed away at the age of 26 from an undiagnosed heart condition. Since then, his family has set up a yearly heart check event and other funds in his name.

The grant for AEDs is their most recent fund.

Matt Witte, Tim Haley’s cousin, said AEDs are the first line of defense for someone who is going into cardiac arrest.

Many times, Witte said heart conditions go unnoticed in kids or young adults because physicals don’t cover heart screenings. He reminds young adults of the importance of having their heart screened.

“Young individuals all think they’re invincible and unfortunately that’s not the case,” Witte said. “No matter how fit they are, how athletic, how active they are, it can happen to anybody, as evidence of Tim, unfortunately.”

Witte said AEDs are an important part of keeping young adults safe, but they can be expensive. He said he hopes this grant helps schools and nonprofits be able to afford the life saving device.

The director of the QMG Foundation, Morgan Parker, said applications for the AED grant are straightforward and encourages any local school or nonprofit to apply.

By placing AEDs in schools and nonprofits, Parker said she hopes they are able to save lives.

“AEDs, if people are not familiar with those, can be life saving for someone that’s cardiac arrest and so being able to have that within your facility, within arms reach or hands reach, is a huge safety measure,” Parker said.

Once applications are submitted, Parker said the QMG Board of Directors will meet and should make a decision sometime in November. She also said the foundation has enough money available to select a few different places.

Applications are still open, but they do close Oct. 21 at 11:59 p.m. A link to the application can be found here.

Each spring, the Tim Haley Fund hosts a Heart Check for Tim event which offers free heart screenings. In 2026, the event will be on May 9. Details about the Tim Haley Fund and that event can be found here.