The Hope Heart Institute is working with the Bellevue Boys & Girls Club to ensure that each club has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. The effort also will include providing hands only CPR/AED training to volunteer coaches, parents and refresher training to staff at the beginning of each sports season.

The institute, based in Bellevue, is a 55-year-old nonprofit that delivers prevention research and education to those in the Northwest who are at risk or have been impacted by cardiovascular disease.

To partnership featured Kenny Cooper, forward for the Seattle Sounders FC, at an Oct. 8 event. Cooper’s father suffered a heart attack last year. Cooper spent two hours playing soccer and doing soccer drills with the kids at the club. The event also included other activities for the kids to continue to drive home the important role food and exercise play in keeping your heart healthy.

Installation of the AEDs will take place over the next two years.