Modeled after a program in Cy-Fair ISD, the electrocardiogram screening will help identify athletes who may have a previously undetected heart condition which could lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Parents will be asked to sign a consent form and release of liability with the option to opt out if they do not wish for their son or daughter to have the screening.

The Board approved up to $7,000 for start-up costs which includes the equipment and a $5 per student charge for supplies and the cost for a physician to interpret the results. After the first year the only cost to the district would be the $5 per student charge for new athletes who have not received the screening. The district is also looking for any area groups or businesses who would like to contribute to the program to help defray some of the costs.

In working with Cy-Fair ISD, data indicates that approximately 90 percent of students tested will have normal ECG screens, approximately nine percent will have minor abnormalities that will not interfere with further participation in strenuous activity and approximately one percent of screened students will have cardiac abnormalities that will limit or curtail their further participation in strenuous physical exercise.

Under the direction of the district Athletic Director Tom Mooney and Athletic Trainer John Harmon, the Athletic Department hopes to have all screenings complete by Feb. 1. For more information or to help sponsor the program, contact Mooney at 281-229-6592.