Hundreds of families packed the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa on Sunday for free heart screenings and sports physicals ahead of a new Florida law aimed at preventing sudden cardiac arrest in student athletes.
Beginning July 1, Florida’s Second Chance Act will require students in grades 9 through 12 to get an electrocardiogram, or EKG, before participating in interscholastic sports for the first time.
The law is named after Chance Gainer, a Florida high school football player who died after collapsing during a game because of an undiagnosed heart condition.
Doctors say the screenings can help detect hidden cardiac issues that may not appear during a routine sports physical.
“You ask all the questions, the history, the physical, you listen to their heart, everything is normal, and then you do this EKG and bam, something’s abnormal,” said Dr. Anjlee Patel, a pediatric cardiologist with AdventHealth.
More than 700 student athletes signed up for Sunday’s free clinic, where students could receive sports physicals, EKG screenings or both. Walk-ins were also accepted.
Patel said the additional testing can identify conditions that otherwise may go unnoticed.
“Electrical disturbances, thickening of the heart muscle, that you wouldn’t know just by listening to them, so this added layer is another level of protection for them,” Patel said.
For many families, the free clinic also helped ease concerns about cost and insurance coverage as the new requirement approaches.
“You need it for the next year but our insurance companies haven’t caught up yet,” said parent Taleshia Duebbers.
Other parents said they appreciated the opportunity to get the screenings done quickly and at no cost.
“Just with so many athletes that didn’t know they had a heart condition, I think it’s great they’re offering it, it’s free, it’s easy,” said Stacy Kriley, whose children participate in multiple sports and activities.
Student athletes also said the screenings gave them peace of mind heading into the next sports season.
“That’s cool they’re making us get it done though because it is important to know that your heart is ok to play a sport,” said cheerleader Alexis Kriley.
Doctors say many of the conditions detected through EKG screenings can be treated early, allowing students to continue competing safely.
“We can intervene, put them on medication, have a minor procedure and they’re cleared to return to sports so all in all I feel like it’s such a win and to keep them safe,” Patel said.
Families who missed Sunday’s event can find information about additional free screening opportunities on AdventHealth’s website.