Kids Heart Challenge, American Heart Challenge Equip Toledo Students with Lifesaving Skills

Daily Dose  |  08/18/2026 11:45 am

More than 350,000 people in the United States experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital each year, and approximately 23,000 are children. In the first critical moments of a medical emergency, the people nearby are most likely family members, educators, coaches or even other students, and many have never been taught what to do. Schools in Toledo are working to change that by participating in the American Heart Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, which teach students and families how to respond when they witness someone experiencing a cardiac arrest or stroke.

Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are service-learning fundraising programs that empower students to build healthy habits, strengthen character and discover purpose while raising funds for the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health and hope for everyone everywhere. Since 2021, more than 1.1 million students, families and educators nationwide have learned lifesaving skills like how to call 911 in a cardiac or other medical emergency, perform Hands-Only CPR and use B.E. F.A.S.T. to spot the warning signs of a stroke.

“When a medical emergency happens outside of a hospital, the person most likely to save a life is almost never a doctor. It’s simply whoever is close by,” said Joellen Burns School Engagement Director with the American Heart Association – Toledo. “That could be a coach, a parent or a kid who called 911, started CPR or recognized the signs of a stroke. We want everyone to know they have the power to save a life and be a heart hero.”

Beyond lifesaving skills, students also learn how to keep their bodies and minds healthy. This year’s theme, Activate Your Heart Power, introduces six new characters who promote heart-healthy habits like avoiding vaping and tobacco, moving more, eating well, sleeping better and being kind.

In addition to educational benefits for students and families, participating schools can receive give-backs that help create healthier school communities, like physical and mental well-being grants, CPR in Schools kits, professional development opportunities, cash awards and more.

Schools can register now to take part in the 2026-27 school year. To get started or learn more, visit heart.org/jointhechallenge.