Sam Yates Community Foundation

08/11/2025

The Sam Yates Community Foundation proudly hosted its second Youth Heart Screening Event at Vashon Island High School.

With the support of 17 volunteers and 3 cardiologists, we screened 125 students, providing each with a comprehensive cardiac evaluation including vitals, a physical exam, an EKG, and a one-on-one consultation with a cardiologist. Through this process, two students were identified as needing follow-up care and were connected with vital cardiac referrals.

Students also participated in and AED training led by Vashon Island Fire & Rescue.

A heartfelt thank-you to Vashon Granny's Attic for helping make this event possible.

Every heart screened, every placed, and every person trained in lifesaving skills carries forward Sam’s legacy and strengthens our community.

06/06/2025

Thank you to Granny’s Attic and the Vashon Health Care District for funding the purchase of four Cardea ECG units. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Ted Gibbons for serving as the event cardiologist, to Principal John Erickson and his dedicated staff, and to the 15 volunteers who helped conduct our first heart screenings for Vashon High School students. Your collective efforts made this important event possible.

Vashon High School students were alerted to cardiac anomalies or high blood pressure.

26/05/2025

Today, we pause to honor the dedication, commitment, and bravery of the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice reminds us that freedom is not free. On this Memorial Day, we remember them with gratitude and unwavering respect.

23/05/2025

Inspired by a mission to protect youth through early detection and AED access, The Sam Yates Community Foundation hosted its inaugural student cardiac screening at VHS on Tuesday. Screening 38 and identifying four students with unknown heart anomalies.

With support from Granny’s Attic, Vashon Health Care District, VIFR, VHS staff, and amazing volunteers, the event was a success.

Starting next year, all freshmen and juniors will be screened every two years - aligned with international best practices.

Help us save more lives. Donate today to support future screenings and help place more AEDs across Vashon:
https://www.thumbsupfoundation.org

09/05/2025

The Sam Yates Foundation has installed public access SaveStations with AEDs at key locations on Vashon Island. Check out this video to learn about Save Stations and the importance of CPR and AED training.

SaveStation locations at sporting fields on Vashon:

At Vashon High School – near the football field grandstand and on the pathway to the middle school (under the scoreboard).

At the McMurray Middle School playfield.

At the Harbor School playfield.

This is all being done in an effort to keep student athletes, coaches, and fans safe.

Learn CPR - Know where AEDs are located - Save a life!

25/10/2024

This is a powerful message about the risk of complacency. Please take the time to watch this short video.

Don’t just check the box or prioritize the now over the health and safety of those you love!

Too often risk factors and symptoms of a potential heart condition get missed at home, on the field and in the doctor’s office. We need to be more intentiona...

11/10/2024

Thank you Vashon Island School District and Vashon Island Lacrosse Club for supporting this endeavor to provide for the safety of athletes and spectators during sporting events at Vashon Island High School. Thank you also to Vashon Island Fire & Rescue for celebrating this success and continuing to make the community aware of the health and safety measures that are available to .

Just in time for fall sports, the Sam Yates Community Foundation has installed a second SaveStation at the Vashon Island High School football field! This life-saving station includes an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Now, students, athletes, and spectators have critical protection right on the field.

The Sam Yates Foundation continues to do incredible work for our community, ensuring fast access to emergency care. Remember, if you or someone around you experiences chest pain, don’t wait for an appointment—call 911 immediately. Seconds count!

09/10/2024

Knowledge is Power! October is Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. Know the signs, get screened, act fast!

Cardiac arrest and heart attack are often confused, but they’re different conditions. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage to heart muscle.

Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction, cutting off blood flow to the body. Immediate CPR and defibrillation can save a life in cardiac arrest!

09/09/2024

They say a soldier dies twice, once when they fall, and a second time when their name is said by someone for the last time…

We will never forget Sam Yates, he lives on through our hearts and our spirit! Today, many of us ran for our soldier, and we will continue to keep his name alive!