ATLANTA — August 1,2025 — During the 2024–2025 school year, more than 13,000 students in Cobb County actively participated in Kids Heart Challenge™, fostering sustained mental and physical well-being while raising more than $970,000 to support the American Heart Association, a global force dedicated to building longer, healthier lives for all.  Exceeding more than 4,000 school districts nationwide, Cobb County Schools has been honored as the nation’s top-performing district for the fourth consecutive year.

The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge™ offers a variety of physical activities to get elementary students’ hearts pumping such as dance, basketball or jumping rope paired with digital missions to learn lifesaving skills like Hands-Only CPR™ The program has more than 40 years of proven success rooted in scientific research, which showed that kids who are regularly active feel better, improve their mental health, build self-esteem, and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression [1].  

“The Kids Heart Challenge ignites a passion for wellness and empowers our students to embrace healthy lifestyles in exciting and meaningful ways,” said Chris Ragsdale, superintendent of Cobb County School District. “By combining this passion with a heartfelt commitment to raising funds for children with special hearts, our students are learning the true power of compassion and leadership. We’re incredibly proud to be four-time National Champions, continuing to inspire positive change and advance the life-saving mission of the American Heart Association.”

Since joining the challenge more than four decades ago, Cobb County Schools have raised millions to advance the American Heart Association’s groundbreaking research, community outreach, and public health education.

“Cobb County’s unwavering dedication to Kids Heart Challenge is a shining example of how communities can come together to create lasting change,” said Angelica Geter, DrPH., M.P.H., American Heart Association Southeast Region board member and founder and chief executive officer of Impactful Collaboration, LLC. “By empowering students to embrace heart health and become champions for wellness, they are building a healthier, stronger future for us all.”

The educational curriculum and physical activities included in the Kids Heart Challenge program help meet the heart health needs of today’s youth and educators. The program, a successful part of thousands of schools from coast-to-coast, targets improving whole-body wellness, which is vital to immediate and long-term health in children.

Schools interested in participating in the Kids Heart Challenge can register online at www.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. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

 

For Media Inquiries:

Erin Thomas, Erin.Thomas@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org