Free Cardiac Screening Event: March 26, 2026
March 5, 2026
Dear Weston Families,
In A Heartbeat, a CT based nonprofit organization, will be providing free cardiac screenings on Thursday, March 26 from 2:30-5:30 pm at Weston High School (athletic entrance). It is open to any elementary, middle, and high school students.
Click here to learn more about In A Heartbeat. The event will be staffed with volunteer technicians who answer any questions you may have. Parents will receive EKG results from “In A Heartbeat” within two weeks. The event is voluntary and pre-registration is encouraged Click here to register your child for this screening.
Additionally, we are looking for volunteers for both medical and non-medical duties. Please contact Mike Papale, the founder of In A Heartbeat at mike@inaheartbeat.org if you would like to volunteer.
The Weston community has expressed great interest and support of this event since we last hosted “In A Heartbeat” in 2023. Below, please find answers to some frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions:
1. What can my child expect during the screening process?
Your child will be brought to a private space staffed with two technicians. One technician will run through questions from the AHA 14 point screener. The second technician will place ‘stickers’ on your child's torso. An electrode will be clipped into place on each sticker. Once the setup is complete, the technician will run the EKG to get an immediate reading. It is quick, painless and easy. “In A Heartbeat” plans 10 minutes for each child.
2. Why should I sign my child up for this screening?
EKG screening can detect many (although not all) heart conditions which if untreated can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. If detected, the goal is to get them treated and get kids back to their lives. The 14 point screener and EKG can identify risk factors of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The questionnaire considers family history, possible symptoms and lifestyle. The EKG identifies abnormal readings such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long QT Syndrome and Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW). It is always recommended that parents contact their child’s pediatrician should they have any questions or concerns.
3. Are parents permitted to stay with their child during the screening?
Yes, parents are encouraged to join their child during the screening process. It is not required for a parent to be there for High School or Middle School children if the child is pre-registered.
4. How will I receive results from the screening?
“In A Heartbeat” will send an email notifying families that the EKG results are available. Families will then log onto the website and input their personal registration number to receive results.
5. What if something is found?
If any abnormalities are found, our cardiologists will be in touch with you to explain what is found, any recommendations, and help you set up any follow-up if desired.
6. Who will have access to my child’s screening results?
Results are provided only to the child’s parent / guardian. Results are private and confidential. They will NOT be shared with the school district or other third party.
7. What if my child cannot attend the screening on this date?
In A Heartbeat provides ECG Screening events throughout the school year in Connecticut but plans to come back to the area in the spring. Please contact Mike Papale, mike@inaheartbeat.org, to find out another date that they are hosting a screening.
Warmly,
Kristen
In partnership with the New Haven YMCA Youth Center a branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA