GREENWOOD, Ark., Sept. 5, 2025 -- East Pointe Elementary School in Greenwood has been selected as one of five schools nationwide to receive a $10,000 grant from the American Heart Association and the National Football League Foundation as part of a national initiative to promote heart health and Hands-only CPR education among youth.
The American Heart Association surprised district administration and staff with the news of the grant at a student assembly the morning of Sept. 2. The $10,000 will be used to upgrade physical education equipment and/or enhance the East Pointe's gymnasium, supporting the school's commitment to student wellness and physical activity.
"This was a complete shock," said East Pointe Elementary P.E. Teacher Laura Jones. "I have so many things in mind to use it for but don't even know where to begin. I'm just so excited for the kids because they work so hard during Kids Heart Challenge."
"This grant is a game-changer for our students," said Faith Short, principal of East Pointe Elementary. "It's not just about new equipment -- it's about empowering our kids to live healthier lives and learn lifesaving skills like Hands-Only CPR."
With only 1 in 4 children in the U.S. getting the recommended amount of daily physical activity1, schools across Arkansas and the nation are working to create a healthier future through Kids Heart Challenge™. Led by the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, the school-based program equips students with the tools and confidence to care for their physical and emotional well-being.
Kids Heart Challenge additionally encourages students to complete "Finn's Mission," a digital learning module that teaches heart health, stroke awareness and CPR. For every 18 students who complete the mission, schools are entered into a drawing for the $10,000 fitness makeover. East Pointe Elementary's enthusiastic participation earned them a spot among the five winning schools, officially announced Sept. 2 during an assembly at the school.
According to American Heart Association data, 9 out of every 10 people who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die, in part because they do not receive immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) more than half of the time. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a person's chance of survival.
The initiative is part of the American Heart Association's Nation of Lifesavers™ movement, which aims to train more people in CPR and improve survival rates from cardiac arrest. According to the Association, nearly 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the U.S., with 70% happening at home.
"This partnership with the NFL is helping us build a culture of health and safety in schools," said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. "By teaching students Hands-Only CPR, we're creating a ripple effect that can save lives in homes and communities."
East Pointe Elementary joins a growing list of schools nationwide that are integrating heart health education into their curriculum, thanks to the long-standing collaboration between the American Heart Association and the NFL.
For more information about the Kids Heart Challenge and how to get involved, visit www.heart.org/kidsheartchallenge or contact Tracy Shepherd at Tracy.Shepherd@heart.org
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 100 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 or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.