ORLANDO, Fla., - Oct. 8, 2026 – The Foundation for a Healthier West Orange recently announced a $3.3 million grant to the American Heart Association to support the expansion of Westly's Mile, an Orlando-based walking and running program that encourages students to prioritize heart health through increased daily physical activity. Through this funding, the American Heart Association will expand Westly's Mile into 29 participating schools across West Orange County, helping more students build healthy habits through regular movement.
Westly's Mile launched in 2022 at five elementary schools as a five-year pilot to address a persistent public health gap: The Physical Activity Alliance's 2024 U.S. Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth found that fewer than 1 in 5 U.S. children get the CDC-recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day, with little improvement in participation rates over the last decade.
The 2026-27 school year marks the program's fifth year, with 29 schools currently participating. Westly’s Mile will grow to 46 West Orange County schools next year.
Designed for students of all fitness levels, Westly's Mile turns movement into a goal-oriented, adventure-style experience. Participating schools receive program materials, teacher stipends, and interactive tools to track student progress and celebrate achievements. Families also receive education on heart-healthy habits and access to the Kids Heart Challenge curriculum, which includes instruction in life-saving skills like Hands-Only CPR.
“Westly’s Mile is a powerful example of what it looks like when we encourage kids to build healthy habits early,” said Krista Carter, director of community impact, Foundation for a Healthier West Orange. “This grant reflects our commitment to making health and wellness part of our culture in West Orange. It’s about bringing the right individuals to the table, like the American Heart Association, and asking what we can do together to make a greater impact for our children and our overall community.”
Westly’s Mile is already making an impact countywide. During the 2025-2026 school year, more than 2,000 students participated in Westly’s Mile, collectively logging more than 43,000 miles.
“Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to support lifelong heart health, and programs like Westly’s Mile help children build healthy habits early,” said Heather Maloney, executive director, American Heart Association - Orlando. “We are grateful for this support, which will allow more students across West Orange County to experience the benefits of daily movement while creating a culture of health and wellness in their schools.”
Program surveys show that 96% of children increased their physical activity as a result of the program, and that momentum carried home: 94% of their families reported becoming more active as well. Additionally, 76% of students reported increased confidence in being physically active, and 74% of parents said their child began new physical activities outside of school, with 91% attributing those changes directly to Westly's Mile.
The Foundation for a Healthier West Orange, the American Heart Association, and Healthy West Orange are celebrating the expansion with a series of kickoff events at participating schools this fall. Participating schools include:
- Atwater Bay Elementary School
- Bay Lake Elementary School
- Bay Meadows Elementary School
- Castleview Elementary School
- Citrus Elementary School
- Dr. Phillips Elementary School
- Frangus Elementary School
- Gotha Middle School
- Hiawassee Elementary School
- Independence Elementary School
- Lakeview Elementary School
- Lockhart Elementary School
- Maxey Elementary School
- Metro West Elementary School
- Ocoee Elementary School
- Palm Lake Elementary School
- Panther Lake Elementary School
- Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School
- Pine Hills Elementary School
- Sand Lake Elementary School
- Summer Lake Elementary School
- Sun Ridge Elementary School
- Sunset Park Elementary School
- Thornbrooke Elementary School
- Tildenville Elementary School
- Water Spring Elementary School
- Westpointe Elementary School
- Windermere Elementary School
- Windy Ridge K-8
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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 the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange
The Foundation for a Healthier West Orange invests in and champions initiatives that support the health and well-being of our community. A trusted community leader, the Foundation brings together an engaged network of business, government, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, not-for-profits and healthcare professionals. To learn more about the Foundation’s vision to cultivate the healthiest community in the nation, visit fhwo.org.
About Healthy West Orange
Healthy West Orange is a grassroots movement to inspire west Orange County to become the healthiest community in the nation. Fueled by the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange, the program provides important tools and social connections to help local residents eat well, stay active and enjoy life. Residents are encouraged to join the movement at healthywestorange.org.
For Media Inquiries:
Emory Muldowney, emory.muldowney@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
Wendy J. Roundtree, APR, wendy@jarelcommunications.com
