Cook County ISD 166 Schools applied for and were awarded a total of $39,150. According to ISD 166 Superintendent Chris Lindholm, approximately $35,000 of the award will be put specifically towards hardware and medical supplies. The planned equipment upgrades include four climate-controlled towers or cabinets for outdoor  (AED) locations, five to six additional indoor AED units (the district already maintains four AEDs throughout the school buildings), and four portable AEDs intended for use during school-related trips. The grant also covers training tools (manikins, an AED trainer), and miscellaneous support items, including signage, barrier masks, and carrying bags. The remaining portion of the grant will cover staff time, travel expenses, and training required to implement the CERP.

Superintendent Lindholm added that while the district has already implemented emergency policies and procedures in the event of a potential health-related or other emergencies, the CERP requirements are more rigorous, similar to recent requirements regarding NARCAN and overdose response plans, for example. 

Grantees across the state are expected to begin implementing their written and practiced CERPs at the start of the 2026-27 school year.