National wellness grant brings new health resources to Bismarck students
Bismarck, Illinois – August 31, 2025 — Only 1 in 4 children in the U.S. gets the recommended amount of daily physical activity, and approximately 1 in 3 are considered overweight or obese [1]. With physical inactivity and mental health challenges on the rise among youth, schools like Bismarck-Henning Elementary School are taking action to create healthier learning environments. To help address those growing needs, the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health of all, recently awarded a $1,376 grant to Bismarck-Henning Elementary School through its Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ programs.
“Every child should have the opportunity to grow up strong, healthy and ready to thrive,” said Amy Ensign, school engagement director of the American Heart Association in East Central Illinois. “These grants don’t just support an active lifestyle by sharing the benefits of exercise, but also through providing resources that keep physical activity safe for everyone. By instilling a culture of health in youth today, we’re building a healthier future for everyone.”
Bismarck-Henning Elementary School received its award as part of the latest round of funding from the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge grant program, which supports projects that help increase physical activity, improve mental well-being or provide tools for emergency preparedness. Their award will go toward improving safe water access at school by placing water filling stations on campus.
“We are incredibly grateful for the American Heart Association’s support,” said Tony Foster, Bismarck-Henning Elementary School principal. “These funds will help us encourage daily activity by ensuring that students can stay healthy and hydrated as they get their bodies moving. Access to drinkable water is an equitable health issue and we are doing our part to ensure unsafe conditions don’t deter students from staying active during the day.”
Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are rooted in proven science and reach millions of students each year. Participants and their families learn how to eat smart, manage stress, avoid tobacco and vaping, recognize the signs of heart attack and stroke and more. They’re also introduced to Hands-Only CPR, a lifesaving skill that children as young as nine can learn and administer in the event of witnessing a sudden cardiac arrest.
To be eligible for a school wellness grant, schools must be registered for the Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge and complete the program. The next opportunity to apply will open later this school year. Schools can register now for the 2025–26 school year by visiting heart.org/getstarted.
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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: 214-706-1173
Jorie Goins: Jorie.Goins@Heart.Org
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
