Jan. 21, 2026 — With one short test, experts say a student’s life can be saved.
“Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one killer of high school athletes,” said Melissa Hartman, Heart Screening Director for the nonprofit Who We Play For.
Team Duval News caught up with Hartman at a recent clinic at Landmark Middle School, where she administered free EKGs to more than a dozen student-athletes. Thanks to grant funding and partnerships facilitated by the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program and Duval County Public Schools Athletics, the district will host similar events at several middle schools throughout the school year.
“Being able to come to the schools makes it so much easier on the parents, the coaches, the athletes—everyone,” Hartman said.
The events are part of a larger district effort to align with a new Florida law known as the Second Chance Act. Named after the late Chance Gainer, a student-athlete who died from sudden cardiac arrest while playing football with Port St. Joe High School in Florida, the law will require all high school students new to sports to receive heart screenings beginning July 1, 2026.
“Sadly, you don’t know until something happens,” Hartman said. “That’s why the screening is so easy—and so important.”
Eighth graders seeking to participate in high school athletics can qualify for the free screenings, which typically cost between $50 and $100. After testing, students’ results are sent to pediatric cardiologists for further review. Parents then receive follow-up information and any recommended next steps.
Hartman applauded the district, Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program, and community partners for taking proactive steps to protect student-athletes.
“It’s really great that Duval has jumped in feet first,” she said. “The mere fact that students have access to this is incredibly important.”