The American Heart Association has awarded financial grants to seven schools across the United States, aimed at fostering healthier learning environments and promoting student well-being. These grants, distributed through the Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ programs, will help schools acquire fitness equipment, water bottle filling stations, and educational tools to support students' health. The selected schools represent diverse regions, including Iowa, Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Illinois, and California.
Each institution will use the grants to create resources that encourage physical activity and health education, addressing the growing concern of childhood obesity, which affects nearly 20% of children and teens according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Marsha Jones, American Heart Association volunteer board chair, emphasized the significance of these grants, stating that they represent more than financial support—they are an investment in students' future health and success. The initiative reflects the organization's commitment to improving cardiovascular health by targeting youth wellness.
The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs reach approximately 10 million students annually across 20,000 schools nationwide. These initiatives not only promote physical activity but also teach students critical health skills, including Hands-Only CPR, through engaging lesson plans and interactive technology. By providing resources that make healthy choices more accessible, the American Heart Association aims to establish lifelong wellness habits among young people. The grant recipients demonstrate the organization's strategic approach to combating health challenges by empowering schools to create supportive environments for student health.
