Mayor Denis Law kicked off Renton Heart Month Monday night with a recognition of the campaign sponsors and participating businesses.

The business partners participated in a drawing for an automatic external defibrillator (AED), donated by Cardiac Science. The winner of the AED was Brotherton Cadillac.

The Renton Fire & Emergency Services department has a public access defibrillator program that works hand-in-hand with Renton Heart Month. It encourages and supports AED’s in businesses and public places. The key to survival is timely initiation of a “chain of survival” including CPR and the use of an AED.

“We’re happy to report that many of Renton businesses have an AED and staff trained to use them.” said interim Fire Chief Mark Peterson. “Having these tools in place is critical to the survival of someone who experiences sudden cardiac arrest.”

Renton Heart Month is a campaign that focuses on increasing awareness of heart health. Citizens are encouraged to pick up a passport at any of the participating businesses or any Renton fire station and to get started gathering needed stamps by having a free blood pressure and blood sugar screening. They also have several training opportunities to learn CPR and how to use an AED.

Participation in any one of the provided trainings will add a stamp in the “Passport to a Healthy Heart. ” For more information on all Renton Heart Month activities, prizes, visit rentonwa.gov or call 425-430-7000.