Beating Hearts Malta (BHM) is an independent non-profit foundation established primarily to support the needs of parents having children born with a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) enabling them to share their experiences and to offer good practical advice. The NGO was founded in 2011 by Dr Edward Callus, Prof. Victor Grech and Katrina Aquilina.
As part of an ongoing project by Beating Hearts, the University of Malta was the recipient of two Automated External Defibrillators which were donated by the NGO. One of these AEDs was installed within the precincts of Argotti Gardens managed by the University of Malta while the other was installed at the Gozo Campus.
Presiding over the launch at the Argotti Gardens, University Rector Prof. Alfred J. Vella thanked Beating Hearts for their donation and commended the NGO on its efforts to create more awareness on the use of such a device that can save lives.
Beating Hearts Founder Katrina Aquilina stressed on the importance of such devices being available in public places with easy access so that members of the public can use them in case of an emergency.
The Argotti Botanic Gardens & Resource Centre in Floriana forms part of the University of Malta and their development as a botanic garden dates back to the early 19th century when the first Chair of Natural History was established.
At present Argotti maintains the national herbarium and a diverse botanical collection that includes a Mediterranean section.
