Florida Athletes' Hearts to Be Scanned Starting July 1

Effective July 1, Florida students entering high school sports for the first time will be required to undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) screening. This new mandate, established by the Second Chance Act (Senate Bill 1070), aims to identify heart abnormalities that pose a risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

The legislation is named in memory of Chance Gainer, a high school senior who tragically died during a football game in September 2024. Students entering their freshman year and those new to high school athletics must complete the ECG before participating in any sports-related activities.

Nonprofit organizations like Who We Play For are partnering with school districts to offer these crucial screenings. They are conducting ECGs across Northeast Florida and beyond, providing many at free or significantly reduced costs to alleviate financial burdens for families. The screening process is quick, painless, and typically takes less than five minutes.

The Broadhurst family shared their experience with their son Riley, who survived sudden cardiac arrest in December 2023 thanks to prompt CPR and medical intervention. Their ordeal highlights the importance of early detection, a goal shared by the new law and the efforts of organizations supporting families affected by cardiac events.

This initiative builds on nearly two decades of work by Who We Play For, founded in honor of Rafe Maccarone, who died at 15 from sudden cardiac arrest. The organization anticipates that early detection of heart conditions can lead to timely interventions, potentially preventing future tragedies among young athletes.