RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Avive Solutions to expand access to modern automated external defibrillator (AED) technology for high schools across North Carolina.  

Through this partnership, NCHSAA member schools will receive special pricing and training opportunities on the Avive Connect AED®, an innovative, connected defibrillator designed to help athletic staff and school communities respond quickly and confidently during Sudden Cardiac Arrest emergencies.  

Que Tucker, Commissioner for the NCHSAA, said, “The NCHSAA is always interested in cutting-edge opportunities to benefit our student athletes.  Avive will help in our goal to provide resources that help ensure the health and safety of those participating in our programs.”  

Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the leading cause of death among student-athletes and on school campuses, despite a proven therapy: an AED. Because student-athletes face heightened risk during intense physical activity, immediate access to an AED during practices and games can dramatically increase survival.  

“We are honored to partner with the NCHSAA to help strengthen cardiac arrest preparedness across North Carolina high schools,” said Sameer Jafri, CEO and co-founder of Avive Solutions. “We believe every student-athlete deserves to compete in a heart-safe environment and are proud to support greater access to lifesaving technology and training opportunities that will surely improve outcomes.”  

Unlike traditional defibrillators, the Avive Connect AED® supports a more coordinated emergency response by automatically alerting 911 telecommunicators and sharing real-time data when in use. Designed to be intuitive and less intimidating for lay rescuers to use, the device provides clear audio and video guidance and includes a Training Mode so schools can practice on the same devices deployed on campus. Weighing just 2.1 pounds, it is the smallest and lightest AED on the market, making it easy to carry between fields, courts, gyms, and away competitions.  

“As a former NC high school athlete and the son of a 20+ year NC high school coach, this partnership with the NCHSAA is deeply meaningful to me,” said Trey Keeney, Community Programs Specialist at Avive Solutions. “We know that student-athletes are three times more likely to suffer a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, so it is vital that we empower our athletic departments with the tools they need to protect them on the sidelines. This partnership is about providing cost-effective, innovative life-saving technology to ensure that every gym and field in North Carolina is a heart-safe environment for our kids to compete.” 

As part of the partnership, Avive will co-sponsor NCHSAA regional meetings and the annual Student Leadership Conference, providing hands-on CPR and AED training opportunities for athletic directors, school leaders, and student athletes. Together, Avive and the NCHSAA are setting a new standard for cardiac readiness statewide and reinforcing a shared belief that empowered schools build safer communities.  

“Having the right personnel, with the right training, in the right place, and at the right time is critical when it comes to emergency preparedness,” said Janna Fonesca, Director of Health, Safety & Wellness and Student Programs for the NCHSAA. “Avive is going to help NCHSAA member schools elevate their preparedness by providing cost-effective equipment and training.”  

Schools interested in learning more about special pricing through the NCHSAA partnership can visit www.avive.life or contact Trey Keeney, trey@avive.life.  

About NCHSAA  

The mission of the NCHSAA is to provide governance and leadership for interscholastic athletic programs that support and enrich the educational experience of students. www.nchsaa.org 

About Avive Solutions, Inc.  

Avive Solutions is on a mission to significantly increase survival rates from Sudden Cardiac Arrest by bringing connected, intelligent AEDs to where they’re needed most. The Avive Connect AED® is lightweight, portable, and designed for real-world use by both trained professionals and lay rescuers. Learn more at www.avive.life.