Nonprofit partners up to provide free EKG screenings to area schools, young athletes

JACKSON, Tenn. — One local organization aims to shed light on the health of student athletes.

According to experts, one in 300 young people have an undetected heart condition, which often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. To combat this, the local nonprofit Friends of Heart is working alongside West Tennessee Healthcare to provide screenings to area schools and young athletes.

“What we’re doing is we are bringing the EKG’s to the school system and we’re doing that for free,” said Tracey McKnight, executive director of Friends of Heart.

Electrocardiograms, also knows as EKG’s help diagnose heart problems. However, they are not part of an athlete’s yearly physical exam.

“This is just one step closer to see if we can early detect something that could hopefully prevent sudden cardiac death,” said Kerri Kitchen, clinical assistant professor at the University of Memphis at Lambuth.

Wednesday, Friends of Heart partnered with Lambuth nursing students to provide services to Madison Academic students.

“This is a way for them to hone their skill and some nursing assessment and still provide a service for the community,” said Kitchen.

Friends of Heart has also screened Haywood County schools –with the goal of reaching all West Tennessee schools. Screenings are quick and easy, however, some coaches and parents are hesitant to get athletes screened.

“And even the athletes are afraid that we may find something and that may prevent them from participating,” said Dr. Michael Revelle, chief of staff at West Tennessee Healthcare.

If abnormalities are found, athletes are referred to follow-up with a physician at LeBonhur Children’s Hospital.

If your district is interested in free screenings for students and athletes, contact Tracey McKnight with Friends of Heart at tracey@friendsofheart.org.

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