The Renton Fire & Emergency Services was awarded a grant of $1,000 from the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 1722 to purchase supplies for the Renton Heart Month Campaign.

The grant allows fire department crews to test nearly 2,000 residents of the greater Renton community.

“The Renton Fire & Emergency Services is honored to accept this grant; the Renton Eagles can be proud to know that they are helping make a difference in people’s lives,” said Fire Capt. Doug McDonald.

During February, the City of Renton Fire & Emergency Services Department along with UW/Valley Medical Center conduct their annual heart month community outreach program.  The campaign is designed to increase public awareness about heart health and related cardiovascular conditions.  Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and high blood pressure continue to be our nation’s number one killer.

In the past eight years, more than 42,000 residents of the Renton community have been tested for high blood pressure and high blood Sugar. Of those 2,312 had dangerous high blood pressure and 661 had elevated sugar levels.

Significantly, the crews tested and found two six-year-old children with elevated blood sugar levels in 2013, which was important in catching their condition early.

“The Renton Fire & Emergency Services is honored to accept this grant, the Renton Eagles can be proud to know that they are helping make a difference in people’s lives, said Capt. Doug McDonald.