Yesterday, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors took an important step to protect the lives of young athletes—unanimously approving a proposal by Supervisor Jim Desmond to expand access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for youth sports organizations across the region.
AEDs are life-saving devices that can mean the difference between tragedy and survival when sudden cardiac arrest strikes. Yet, many youth sports teams—especially those in unincorporated or underserved areas—struggle to afford them.
“I’ve heard directly from families and coaches in my district,” said Supervisor Desmond. “They’re worried. These devices save lives—but many teams simply can’t afford them. That’s unacceptable.”
Under a new California law (AB 1467), all youth sports programs will be required to have an AED on site for official practices and games by January 1, 2027. Desmond’s initiative aims to ensure our local organizations aren’t left scrambling or falling short of compliance when that deadline arrives.
What the Plan Does:
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Directs County staff to explore funding options—grants, rebates, or other financial support—for AEDs.
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Prioritizes rollout in unincorporated communities, with a plan to expand access across the county.
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Requires recommendations for a long-term, sustainable AED access plan.
“This is about making sure a child’s life isn’t at risk because a team couldn’t afford an AED,” Desmond emphasized. “We’re acting now so local organizations are ready—and every child on the field is safer.”
Supervisor Desmond expressed his gratitude to fellow Board members for their unanimous support. “This is what good governance looks like—identifying a problem, coming together, and taking action. Every kid playing sports in San Diego County deserves this level of protection.”
As this plan moves forward, Supervisor Desmond remains committed to ensuring no team, no community, and no child is left behind when it comes to safety.