Silver Spring elementary school awarded grant to improve student health
SILVER SPRING, Md. May 6, 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 in the Greater Washington Region, the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) recently awarded Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School an NFL PLAY 60 Active Recess Grant in the amount of $500 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. 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.
“Children need opportunities to move during the school day, and right now, too many don’t get enough,” said Yolandra Hancock, M.D., MPH, advocacy and partnerships chair for the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region, and community[KS1] physician and pediatrician. “This grant will help Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School make it easier for students to be active throughout the school day. More chances to move can make a real difference, helping kids feel better, achieve academically and build healthy habits.”
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.
Grant applications are accepted year-round, and another group of recipients will be announced in June. To learn more about Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge and how to get involved, visit heart.org/jointhechallenge.
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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.
American Heart Association
Hannah Ross, hannah.ross@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
