News & Events

  • Sarasota County Schools launches mandatory heart screenings for first-time student-athletes

    Sarasota County Schools partnered with Who We Play For to offer $20 ECG heart screenings for student-athletes ahead of Florida’s Second Chance Act. The screenings help detect hidden heart conditions early and prevent sudden cardiac arrest. Read more…

  • Florida to require heart screenings for high school athletes under new law

    Florida’s Second Chance Act will require first-time high school student-athletes in grades 9–12 to complete a heart screening, including an ECG, before participating in school sports beginning July 1, 2026. Supporters say the law aims to identify hidden heart conditions early and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Read more…

  • Flagler Schools Update Mandatory ECG Testing Policy for Student Athletes, This Time Without Controversy

    Flagler County Schools updated its ECG screening policy to align with Florida’s Second Chance Act, requiring middle and high school students in athletics, marching band, color guard, and JROTC to complete an ECG before participation. Through partnerships with AdventHealth and Who We Play For, the district offers free screening clinics to help detect hidden heart conditions early and protect student-athletes. Read more…

  • Mother of son who died from sudden cardiac arrest urges parents to get heart screenings for kids

    After losing her son Antonio Hicks to sudden cardiac arrest during football practice, Citrus County mother Lakesha Harrison now works to raise awareness about ECG heart screenings and early detection. Through Who We Play For, she encourages parents to screen their children for hidden heart conditions before tragedy strikes. Read more…

  • Florida’s New EKG Requirement for High School Athletes Aims to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death

    Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, Florida will require EKG screenings for incoming and first-time high school athletes to help detect hidden heart conditions before participation. The mandate, part of the Second Chance Act, aims to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest—the leading cause of death among student-athletes—by identifying issues early. Read more…

  • Jacksonville families prioritize heart health at free EKG event for young athletes

    A free heart screening event at Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville offered electrocardiogram (EKG) screenings for children and young adults ages 10–22, helping identify underlying heart conditions early. The initiative highlights growing awareness among families about the importance of early detection to prevent sudden cardiac arrest. Read more…

  • Tampa Bay family urges kids to get screened after teen survives cardiac arrest

    A Tampa Bay family is urging parents to have their children screened for heart conditions after their 13-year-old survived sudden cardiac arrest at school. Their experience highlights how early detection and awareness can help prevent life-threatening cardiac events in young people. Read more…

  • AEDs and Second Chance Act can save lives of students | Opinion

    Expanded access to AEDs and strong implementation of Florida’s Second Chance Act can significantly improve survival outcomes for students experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The opinion piece emphasizes that early detection, emergency preparedness, and rapid response—including access to AEDs—are critical to saving lives in school settings. Read more…

  • Required free or low-cost EKGs for student athletes can save lives

    Florida’s Second Chance Act requires student-athletes to receive ECG screenings, with schools and partners offering free or low-cost options to improve access. Experts say these screenings can identify hidden heart conditions early—often the only way to detect certain abnormalities—and help prevent sudden cardiac death. Read more…