STATE FAIR
The Kansas State Fair will have Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices on the grounds this September for the first time.
In partnership with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation, the Kansas State Fair has placed these lifesaving medical equipment pieces in eleven buildings on the fairgrounds.
“Speed is of the essence when treating a victim of sudden cardiac arrest” states Marlou Wegener, Chief Operating Officer, BC BS – Foundation, “Statistics currently indicate that nearly all cardiac arrest victims require high quality CPR; the Foundation is pleased to promote public safety and provide these AEDs for the Kansas State Fair.”
Prior to August 2022, there were no AEDs available on the fairgrounds and the fair had to rely on the Hutchinson Fire Department or Emergency Medical Services. “AEDs should be a part of every venue and workplace’s first aid program.” commented Bryan Schulz, General Manager of the Kansas State Fair. “Thank you to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation in not only supporting the safety and emergency devices, but the certified AED first aid sessions for our entire staff.”
The Kansas State Fair averages over 340,000 guests during the ten days of the annual September event. Over 450 non-Fair events occur across the grounds in a twelve-month period. Events such as RV rallies, Mennonite Relief Sale, Kansas Beef Expo, Skills USA, Kansas Junior Livestock Show, and numerous weddings, reunions, and family gatherings are prominent.
About the Fair
The Kansas State Fair has featured the best in celebration of all things Kansas – including its culture, its economy, its people and its communities – since 1913. Located in Hutchinson, it is the state’s single largest event, drawing an average 340,000 people from all 105 counties and several states for 10 days each September. The celebration begins Friday, September 9 for ten days through Sunday, September 18.
Media contact: Connie Schmitt
Kansas State Fair - Director of Marketing and Sponsorship - 620-669-3610
connie.schmitt@ks.gov
About the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation promotes the good health of Kansans who live in the Foundation’s 103-county service area. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the largest health insurer in the state, incorporated the Foundation in 2005 as a way to further deepen its commitment to helping all Kansans lead healthier lives, an effort which both entities believe is an essential factor in keeping health care affordable. Through its giving, the Foundation focuses on key health issues that can impact the lives of many Kansans. It funds programs and activities that are, at their core, health-related and in particular, promote health improvement, community health access and/or education, healthy behaviors, prevention initiatives and direct health services to the uninsured. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Both entities serve all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte. For more information on the Foundation, visit bcbsks.com/foundation.
Media Contact: Rebecca Witte
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Public Relations Specialist
(785) 250-4232
rebecca.witte@bcbsks.com