News & Events

  • ECG test reveals St. Johns County 14-year-old had potentially deadly heart condition. Her family had no idea

    A mother’s decision to have both of her 14-year-old daughters receive an ECG screening led to the detection of an undiagnosed heart condition in one twin, despite no symptoms or prior concerns. The story highlights how ECG screening can identify certain heart conditions that may not be detected during routine well-child exams. Read more…

  • Second Chance Act now in effect in Florida, requiring first-time high school athletes to receive EKGs

    Florida’s Second Chance Act is now in effect, requiring first-time high school athletes to receive an ECG before participating in interscholastic athletics. The new law is intended to help detect hidden heart conditions that may not be identified during a routine sports physical, providing an opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment. Read more…

  • Second Chance Act a tribute to friend who died of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

    The legacy of Rafe Maccarone continues to shape youth heart health in Florida. This Florida Today article tells the story of how friends who witnessed the loss of their teammate to sudden cardiac arrest transformed grief into action, helping build the movement that led to the Second Chance Act. Read more…

  • Heart screenings can save young athletes’ lives | Opinion

    Heart screenings can help identify hidden heart conditions linked to sudden cardiac arrest before tragedy occurs. A new opinion piece highlights the importance of ECG screenings for student-athletes and how Florida’s Second Chance Act could expand early detection efforts statewide. Read more…

  • Sarasota schools offer discounted EKGs ahead of new student athlete requirement

    Sarasota County Schools are helping families prepare for Florida’s new ECG requirement for first-time high school athletes by offering discounted heart screenings through community partnerships ahead of the 2026–27 school year. Read more…

  • All incoming DCPS HS athletes required to get EKG examination: What you need to know

    A Jacksonville mother who lost her son to sudden cardiac arrest says Florida’s new ECG screening law could help save lives. Beginning July 1, incoming high school student-athletes will be required to receive a one-time ECG before participating in sports, and Duval County Public Schools is already offering free screenings for rising 9th graders. Read more…

  • BayCare, Florida nonprofit offers heart screenings ahead of new ECG law for first-time high school athletes

    BayCare Medical Group and the nonprofit Who We Play For are offering community ECG heart screening events as Florida prepares to implement its new law requiring first-time high school student-athletes to receive an ECG before sports participation.. Read more…

  • ‘This could have been prevented:’ Florida requires heart screenings for student athletes

    The Second Chance Act, which takes effect July 1, will require heart screenings for students participating in a high school sport for the first time. Advocates, survivors, and medical professionals gathered in Orlando this week to demonstrate how a simple, noninvasive electrocardiogram (ECG) can help detect potentially life-threatening heart conditions before tragedy strikes, while also encouraging families to take advantage of upcoming community heart screening events for student-athletes. Read more…

  • New high school student athletes must have hearts screen starting this summer

    Who We Play For is partnering with Orlando Health to provide community heart screening events for student-athletes as families prepare for Florida’s new Second Chance Act requirement, which takes effect July 1. The quick, noninvasive ECG screenings are designed to help identify hidden heart conditions linked to sudden cardiac arrest before an emergency occurs. Read more…