Pictured, left to right, are Doug Thompson, Tom Tolar, Rowena Belcher, Paula Henderson, Don McDowell, Rotary President Edna Varner, Jeff Eversole, Michelle Davis and Rob Creswell.
photo by Derryberry Public Relations, courtesy of Chattanooga Rotary Club
The Chattanooga Rotary Club is working in Hamilton County with the placement of GregO2 units throughout Hamilton County’s public schools. Providing $20,000 to purchase the LifeVac units, Rotarians will be deploying throughout the county to place the anti-choking devices in schools to support a safety in area schools.
Rotary Club Project Chair Don McDowell noted that Rotarian Paula Henderson brought the idea to the club after a presentation featuring information about the life-changing units that are currently in over 2,700 restaurants and public spaces throughout the county’s footprint.
“When Paula shared that 4,200 lives have been saved nationwide through the use of these units, we knew it made perfect sense for our Club to support,” Mr.
McDowell said. He noted that the Club has been working with non-profit Greg 02 on the effort.
"Greg 02 began when local businessman Greg Creswell lost his life when his windpipe became blocked with food at a local restaurant," officials said. "With few options besides the Heimlich, Greg passed away from a preventable situation. Greg’s older brother Rob Creswell, spoke passionately to Rotary about the LifeVac device and the seeds to support it throughout the County were planted. Thanks to the Chattanooga Rotary Club, there are 314 LifeVacs for 73 facilities ready for strategic placement near food service and teacher lounges in the schools."
Mr. McDowell anticipates that each school will receive two or three devices. “Rotarians are ordinary people doing extraordinary things and this project is certainly proof of this," he said. "The facts show that LifeVac has saved the lives of several of our citizens and we are honored to step up to provide units that will assist in keeping our students safe.”
Chattanooga Rotary Club President Edna Varner said, “Rotarians have adopted the theme of 'Unite for Good' for our 2025-2026 fiscal year. This theme encapsulates our core values and emphasizes the power of collaboration and unity in making a positive impact around the world. For us, the effort is deeply personal as we support our students and staff beginning a new school year. It’s an honor for us to give back to the community that continues to give so much to us.”
Edna Varner (left) and Doug Thompson
photo by Derryberry Public Relations, courtesy of Chattanooga Rotary Club