A statewide coalition to support the successful implementation of the Second Chance Act (Senate Bill 1070).
Background
Each year, an estimated 23,000 children under 18 experience a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the the United States, often due to an undetected heart condition and without prior symptoms. SCA is the leading medical cause of death in young athletes. To address this urgent public health issue, the Second Chance Act (Senate Bill 1070) was signed into law on June 25, 2025, making Florida the first state to require that all high school student-athletes receive at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) as part of their preparticipation physical evaluation. This legislation represents a significant step forward in protecting student athletes through early detection. Its success depends on coordinated efforts across healthcare, education, athletics, public health, and advocacy. The Florida Youth Heart Coalition was established to lead and support the effective, equitable implementation of this life-saving initiative.
Mission
To support the effective, equitable, and sustainable implementation of the Second Chance Act through strategic leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and community-driven solutions that protect youth from preventable sudden cardiac death.
Our Role Alongside FHSAA
The Second Chance Act gives the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) the authority to set and enforce the rules requiring every high school student-athlete to receive at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) before participation in sports.
The Florida Youth Heart Coalition complements this process by uniting medical experts, educators, athletic leaders, parents, policymakers, and community partners to ensure the FHSAA’s requirements are clearly communicated, feasible, and equitably implemented across the state.