LCRA awards $13,038 grant to Goliad County for lifesaving medical equipment

New portable AEDs will enable EMS supervisors to provide emergency cardiac care before ambulances arrive

June 2, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA awards a $13,038 grant to Goliad County for four automated external defibrillators for EMS supervisor vehicles.
  • The AEDs will enable EMS supervisors to provide lifesaving care before ambulances arrive.
  • The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA’s Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.
LCRA representatives present a $13,038 grant to Goliad County for lifesaving medical equipment. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Mark Mayo, LCRA Board member; Elizabeth Ehlers, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Adaniel Munselle, EMS assistant director; Holli Gregory, EMS director; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; R. Mike Bennett, Goliad County judge; Katy Garcia, county grants administrator; and Melissa K. Blanding, LCRA Board member.
GOLIAD, Texas – Goliad County soon will purchase four automated external defibrillators for EMS supervisor vehicles to strengthen the county’s ability to provide critical emergency care, thanks to a $13,038 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $3,260 in matching funds from Goliad County, will improve access to lifesaving cardiac care in areas with limited emergency medical resources. Goliad County EMS serves approximately 859 square miles and more than 7,000 residents with two ambulances, and all patients must be transported at least 30 miles to the nearest hospital.

“When ambulances are further away or out on other transports, our supervisors may be the first ones to arrive at a cardiac arrest call,” said Holli Gregory, EMS director for Goliad County. “They can begin CPR and patient care immediately, but having AEDs in their vehicles means they also can provide defibrillation without waiting for an ambulance to arrive.”

Studies have shown that the quick deployment of an AED can significantly increase survival rates from cardiac events.

“Our goal is to provide the best care we can for the community and having that equipment with us when every minute counts will make a big difference,” Gregory said.

This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA’s effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.

Contact Info

Clara Tuma
512-578-3292
[email protected]
After hours: 512-944-6719

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region’s growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.