WASHINGTON, D.C., May 6, 2026 — Cardiac emergencies can happen without warning in classrooms, in hallways and on athletic fields — and when they do, every second counts. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year in the United States[1], underscoring why schools need to be prepared to respond quickly. To help strengthen cardiac emergency preparedness at Potomac Elementary School in King George, Va. and Rolling Ridge Elementary School in Sterling, Va., the American Heart Association has awarded the school a CPR in Schools grant through its school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™.

“When a cardiac emergency happens at school, staff and students shouldn’t have to wait for help to arrive — they should be ready to act,” said Yolandra Hancock, M.D., MPH, advocacy and partnerships chair for the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region, and community physician and pediatrician. “This grant will help Potomac Elementary School and Rolling Ridge Elementary School build confidence and skills so more people on campus know how to respond in those critical first minutes.”

The grant 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 first aid skills.

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, 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.

For Media Inquiries:

American Heart Association

Hannah Ross, hannah.ross@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org