OCPS highlights heart-screening partnership as state moves to require athlete ECGs

Orange County Public Schools used a portion of its recognition program to spotlight a student-health partnership that has provided free echocardiogram (ECG) screenings for participating students and to note a new state-level requirement for athlete screenings.

The district said it was among the first in Florida to partner with the nonprofit/vendor Who We Play For to provide ECGs not only for athletics but also for band, cheer, dance and ROTC. A Who We Play For representative listed staff involved in the program and said publicly: "Who we play for last year provided over 53,000 ECGs within the state." The transcript records the vendor representative describing the screenings as life-saving and as enabling some students to participate after receiving medical follow-up.

Officials at the ceremony also referenced recent Florida legislation that the board said will require student-athlete screenings beginning in the 20262727 school year. The transcript does not name a specific statute; the board framed the requirement as a statewide change that will expand screening coverage.

The recognition was ceremonial; no school board vote or adoption of a district-wide mandate was recorded during the event. Reporters or readers seeking implementation details should contact OCPS or the vendor for the screening protocol, consent procedures and any cost or billing information.