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In a bid to safeguard the wellbeing of student athletes, an initiative across Duval County’s middle schools is offering heart screenings, an essential step in meeting forthcoming state requirements for high school athletes. This proactive measure aims to detect underlying heart conditions that could lead to potentially fatal cardiac arrests, which, according to the National Institute of Health, are the leading cause of sports-related fatalities.
On Thursday, Fletcher Middle School in Jacksonville, Florida, became a hub of health-conscious activity as families participated in a free heart screening event. Among the attendees were Misty Hudson and her daughter, Mya, who took advantage of the opportunity to ensure Mya’s heart health.
“In recent years, cardiac events among youth athletes have sadly become more common,” remarked Hudson. “Offering these screenings is a fantastic preventative measure that can save lives.”
As the initiative rolls out, it underscores a critical recognition: while the thrill of sports is undeniable, ensuring the safety and health of young athletes is paramount. By catching potential heart issues early, these screenings aim to prevent the tragic consequences that could arise from undiagnosed conditions.
The National Institute of Health says cardiac arrests are the leading cause of sports-related deaths, mostly due to the athlete having underlying heart conditions.
Now, Duval Schools and The Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program (JSMP) are teaming up to detect those issues early. The executive director of JSMP, Robert Sefcik, says these screenings can be life-saving.
“It’s the needle in the haystack. We’re looking for one or two of those kids that may need some additional follow-up and we want to recognize and try mitigating any type of cardiac distress that might be going on so the kids can be healthy and play,” Sefcik said.
JSMP and the “Who We Play for” organization have pledged to perform these screenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays across all DCPS middle schools.
It’s to align with the “Second Chance Act,” a new law that goes into effect next school year. It will require all high school student athletes to get an EKG screening before participating in sports.
Fletcher Middle School Principal Joe McKenzie says this partnership puts 8th graders in Duval County ahead of the curve.
“I think it’s something that is providing for families ahead of time; ahead of the need, so that they’re ready for FHSAA sports at the high school level,” McKenzie told First Coast News.
Parents like Hudson and her daughter, who plays volleyball, say they’re thankful.
“I’m just grateful that this organization is doing this and they’re providing it for youth athletes,” Hudson said.