The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded grants to 188 schools in 45 states through the Association's school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge. This second round of grants for the year comes from a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL through NFL PLAY 60, a campaign aimed at improving youth health by encouraging at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
The grants support specific areas identified by schools and educators, including physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements, inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. Additionally, the funding has been used for CPR readiness programs in schools, addressing cardiac emergency preparedness. Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, stated, "Educators know what their students need to thrive, and this grant program is designed to help them get there by providing schools with health-focused and cardiac emergency readiness resources that might not otherwise be attainable." She expressed gratitude for the NFL's support in ensuring equal opportunities for children to live longer, healthier lives.
The initiative is particularly significant given that approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States live with obesity, the same number who get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. NFL PLAY 60, rooted in science, encourages kids to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans by getting a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day. The program also involves NFL mascots from the NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador Class, including Freddie Falcon (Atlanta Falcons), Gumbo (New Orleans Saints), Rampage (Los Angeles Rams), Roary (Detroit Lions), Rowdy (Dallas Cowboys), Sir Purr (Carolina Panthers), and T-Rac (Tennessee Titans), who inspire kids to move more for mental and physical well-being.
During the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Association and NFL are also attempting to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the most people to complete CPR training in one hour. The feat, supported by Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s foundation and Doctor Mike, will take place on Friday, April 24, from 1-2 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. The effort aims to encourage fans and communities to join the Nation of Lifesavers by learning Hands-Only CPR. Participation is free, and registration is open at heart.org/NFLDraft.
Grant applications are accepted year-round, with another group of recipients to be announced in June. More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grant opportunities is available at heart.org/NFLPLAY60. This funding and the associated programs have the potential to significantly impact student health by providing resources that might otherwise be unattainable, addressing both physical activity and emergency preparedness in schools nationwide.
