This year, 49 students and their families learned lifesaving skill of Hands-only CPR through Finn’s Mission
BALTIMORE, MD
Schools across Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) have demonstrated remarkable success in recent fundraising efforts for the American Heart Association. With more than $16,280 raised from 7 participating schools, students and families showed exceptional commitment to supporting a good cause in our community and contributing to the vital work of the American Heart Association.
Schools participating in the campaign included Kent Island Elementary School, Bayside Elementary School, Centreville Elementary School, Grasonville Elementary School, Kennard Elementary School, Centreville Middle School and Sudlersville Middle School.
“I’m so proud to work with these schools every year for Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge,” said Kim Moore, Development Director, School Engagement for the American Heart Association. “Together we’re molding resilient, compassionate hearts for a brighter future, and nurturing a wave of healthy, empowered leaders. The support we receive will lead to longer, healthier lives and advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.”
This year, through the help of these schools, the American Heart Association was able to reach 164 families with heart healthy resources. In addition, 49 students and their families learned the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR through completing Finn’s Mission.
Finn Blumenthal is one of the AHA’s National Youth Heart Ambassadors who has endured 18 procedures, including three open heart surgeries. Finn’s Mission is based off of the idea that everyone should learn and know Hands-Only CPR as well as the warning signs of a stroke. The Blumenthal family knows the importances of these skills — Finn’s life was saved by CPR!
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools has been supporting the American Heart Association for decades. Through their efforts, QACPS has raised $1,671,592.57 to support the mission of the American Heart Association to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives.
“We are thankful for our partnership with the American Heart Association. We have 7 participating schools, and are very proud of all their accomplishments. We look forward to the upcoming year as we continue to build awareness around these important life saving skills,” said Dr. Patricia Saelens, Superintendent of Queen Anne’s County Public Schools.
Both the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are rooted in proven science, which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood. 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 life-saving skills like Hands-Only CPR™. The American Heart Challenge is a service-learning program for middle and high school students. The program also helps boost heart health and self-esteem, while reducing stress and anxiety through programs featuring yoga, dance and obstacle courses. Both programs’ curriculums help prepare kids for success by supporting physical and emotional well-being, while offering new learning resources and physical activities to meet the needs of today’s youth and educators.
For more information about the American Heart Association, and the Kid’s Heart Challenge, visit the American Heart Association’s website.
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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.