American Heart Association Awards Grants to Nearly 80 Schools to Boost Student Health

As the 2024-2025 school year commences, the American Heart Association (AHA) is taking significant steps to improve the health of K-12 students across the United States. The organization has awarded financial grants to almost 80 elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing cardiovascular health for all individuals.

These grants will enable schools to invest in crucial resources such as new fitness equipment, water filling stations, and health education tools. The initiative comes at a critical time, as childhood obesity affects nearly 20% of children and teenagers, and less than 25% of young people are getting sufficient physical activity, according to recent statistics.

Marsha Jones, AHA volunteer board chair and former executive vice president and chief diversity officer for The PNC Financial Services Group, emphasized the importance of these grants. "These grants represent more than just financial support, they are a lifeline for schools striving to make a real difference in their students' lives," Jones stated. She added that by equipping schools with the means to promote healthier habits, the AHA is investing in students' physical and mental well-being, as well as their long-term success.

The grants are part of the AHA's Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ in-school initiatives, which engage more than 10 million students in approximately 20,000 schools across all 50 states annually. These service-learning programs are grounded in scientific evidence showing that children who are regularly active have a better chance of maintaining good health into adulthood.

Through these programs, students learn to improve their overall health while making a positive impact on others. The initiatives offer engaging lesson plans and interactive technology that encourage students to be active, have fun, and learn lifesaving skills such as Hands-Only CPR.

The grant application process was open to all schools that participated in the AHA's school-based programs during the 2023-2024 school year. This approach ensures that schools already committed to promoting student health have the opportunity to expand their efforts and resources.

As the American Heart Association celebrates its centennial year in 2024, these grants underscore the organization's ongoing dedication to improving public health. By focusing on youth health and education, the AHA is working to create a foundation for healthier communities and a more health-conscious generation.

The impact of these grants extends beyond the immediate benefits to students. By promoting healthier habits and providing education on cardiovascular health, the AHA is potentially reducing the long-term burden on healthcare systems and improving overall community health. Moreover, the emphasis on physical activity and health education in schools could lead to improved academic performance and reduced absenteeism, further enhancing the educational experience for students.

As schools implement these grants, they will be contributing to a larger movement towards prioritizing student health and well-being in educational settings. This initiative by the American Heart Association serves as a model for how organizations can partner with schools to address critical health issues and create lasting positive change in communities across the nation.