Grants awarded nationwide to support student health, emergency readiness

DALLAS, April 24, 2026 - Approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States live with obesity - the same number of children who get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. To support student health and well-being nationwide, the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) recently awarded grants to 188 schools in 45 states through the Association's school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™.

This is the second round of grants awarded this year from the $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL through NFL PLAY 60, a campaign supported by the American Heart Association to improve the health of young people by getting them active for at least 60 minutes every day. The expanded funding pool builds on the existing school grant program established by the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, which in this latest cycle funded CPR readiness programs in schools.

"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," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "We are grateful to the NFL's support in helping to ensure that children everywhere have equal opportunities to live longer, healthier lives, regardless of who they are or where they live."

NFL PLAY 60 grants support specific areas of need identified by schools and educators, including physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education, and well-being resources.

NFL PLAY 60 is an initiative designed to help children develop healthy habits for a better chance at a longer, healthier life. Rooted in science, the program encourages kids to get a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

NFL mascots in the NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador Class are also working to inspire kids to move more to support mental and physical well-being. The current ambassador class includes 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.

During the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Association and NFL are also working together to claim the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for most people to complete CPR training in one hour. The feat will be attempted with support from Damar Hamlin's Chasing M's foundation and the most followed doctor on social media, Doctor Mike, on Friday, April 24, from 1-2 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. The effort is designed to encourage fans, families and communities to join the Nation of Lifesavers™ by learning the simple, lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR. Participation is free and registration is open at heart.org/NFLDraft.

Grant applications are accepted year-round, and another group of recipients will be announced in June. More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and available grant opportunities can be found online at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About NFL PLAY 60

NFL PLAY 60 is the League's national youth health and wellness platform. For nearly 20 years, the initiative has empowered millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and provided support for programs and resources so that kids everywhere can lead a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the NFL's 32 NFL clubs and partners, the PLAY 60 movement will continue to serve and motivate the next generation of youth to get active and PLAY 60. For more information, visit NFL.com/PLAY60.

For Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association: Linzy Cotaya, [email protected]

National Football League : Ian Martin, [email protected]

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org