Tristan Leonhard-Valparaiso Parks, Scott Arnold- Valparaiso Fire Department, Terra Cagle, MA- Porter County Health Department, Crystal Coffey, BSN, RN- Porter County Health Department, Carrie Gschwind- Porter County Health Department, Dan McGuire- Valparaiso Parks, Teresa Mago- Zac Mago Foundation. (Not in Photo) Kris Contrino, Grants Coordinator – Porter County Health Department (Photos provided, Porter County Health Department)
In Porter County, officials say life-saving devices are being installed in a variety of public spaces. The Porter County Health Department says in partnership with Valpo Parks, Valparaiso Fire Department, and the Zac Mago Foundation, it is placing publicly accessible automated external defibrillators – AEDs – toward becoming a “HEARTSafe community”. The first of five new “SaveHeart” Stations went in last month, August 2025, at Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso near the public restrooms. A news release said the others will be strategically placed in areas with high foot traffic and public events to improve emergency preparedness and survival chances in sudden cardiac arrest incidents. They include: in Valpo- the Expo Center, and near the concession stand at Old Fairgrounds Park; in Chesterton at Thomas Centennial Park; and in Portage at Founders Square.
“We are proud to partner with the Zac Mago Foundation, Valparaiso Fire Department, and the Porter County Health Department to bring these life-saving devices to our community,” said Tristan Leonhard from Valparaiso Parks. “This initiative is a proactive step in protecting the health of our residents and visitors, giving everyone peace of mind that help is close by in an emergency.”
“The Zac Mago Foundation is committed to equipping communities with the tools and knowledge to combat sudden cardiac arrest,” said Teresa Mago from the Zac Mago Foundation. “By placing these SaveHeart stations, Porter County is taking a big step toward saving lives and building a safer community.”
The SaveHeart stations are designed for public use, featuring climate control to ensure the AEDs remain operational in varying weather conditions, a news release said. They also include audible and visual alarms, transparent covers for visibility, and video and remote monitoring capabilities to ensure functionality.
