Greenville, S.C., Oct. 26, 2026 -- More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year in the United States [1], emphasizing why schools need to be prepared to respond quickly. To help strengthen cardiac emergency preparedness1in the Upstate, the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, has awarded Berea Elementary School a CPR in Schools grant through its school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™. 

“Cardiac emergencies can happen without warning in classrooms and on athletic fields, and when they do, every second counts,” said Julie Smart, Ph.D., volunteer board chair for the American Heart Association – Upstate and associate dean of graduate studies at Anderson University. “These CPR resources will help Berea Elementary build confidence and skills in the community so more people know how to respond in those critical first minutes on school campus or in a home.” 

Berea Elementary School was one of only three schools in South Carolina to receive the grant through Kids Heart Challenge, which provides a CPR in Schools kit, a reusable training resource designed to help schools teach students, staff and families the basics of CPR, how to use an automated external defibrillator and basic first aid skills. 

“This gift will help our students build the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency and potentially save a life. It also allows us to extend lifesaving education beyond the classroom and into the homes of our Berea families,” said Lauren Popores, Kids Heart Challenge coordinator and physical education teacher at Berea Elementary School. “This is more than a grant; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact in our community. It truly takes a village, and we are so grateful for ours.” 

Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are rooted in proven science and reach millions of students each year. In addition to learning how to respond during a cardiac emergency, students and their families learn how to eat smart, manage stress, avoid tobacco and vaping, recognize the signs of heart attack and stroke and more. 

Grant applications are accepted year-round. To learn more about Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge and how to get involved, visit heart.org/jointhechallenge. 

 

### 

 

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. 

 

For Media Inquiries:  

Hunter Burton: hunter.burton@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org