The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have announced the second round of grants awarded this year through the NFL PLAY 60 initiative, providing $350,000 in funding to 188 schools across 45 states. These grants aim to address critical health needs among children, as approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States live with obesity, and the same number achieve the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
According to the press release, the grants are part of a school-based program under the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge. The funding supports specific areas identified by educators, including physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements, inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. Additionally, this cycle funded CPR readiness programs in schools, emphasizing cardiac emergency preparedness.
“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.”
The NFL PLAY 60 initiative, now in its 20th year, encourages children to get at least 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily, aligning with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The program also involves NFL mascots from the NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador Class, including Freddie Falcon, Gumbo, Rampage, Roary, Rowdy, Sir Purr, and T-Rac, to inspire kids to move more for mental and physical well-being.
During the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, 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, with support from Damar Hamlin’s Chasing M’s foundation and Doctor Mike. The event will take place on April 24 from 1-2 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium, encouraging fans to learn Hands-Only CPR. Participation is free, and registration is available at heart.org/NFLDraft.
Grant applications are accepted year-round, with the next round of recipients announced in June. More information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and grants can be found at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
This funding is significant because it addresses both the physical inactivity crisis among children and the need for cardiac emergency preparedness in schools. By providing resources that schools might otherwise lack, the program aims to create healthier environments and potentially save lives through CPR training.
