Woodford County to host low-cost cardiac screenings for children and young adults before school starts

A partnership between the MCORE Foundation and Woodford County Public Schools will offer brief, low-cost heart checks for ages 12 to 22, including an EKG and limited ultrasound, with financial assistance available.

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Parents in and around Woodford County will have an opportunity to get their children screened for potential heart conditions before the new school year. LEX 18 reported that the MCORE Foundation is partnering with Woodford County Public Schools to provide the screenings as a preventative health measure ahead of the fall semester.

The event is scheduled for Monday, July 13. The screening is intended for children and young adults ages 12 to 22 and includes an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a limited heart ultrasound, according to the report. The screening appointment is designed to be short, taking about 10 minutes.

MCORE Foundation’s Executive Director and CEO Lisa Tennenbaum said the aim is to give families a baseline view of a child’s heart health and to identify potential issues before symptoms appear. She said the program is looking for markers related to sudden cardiac arrest and that the screenings are used to detect potential abnormalities even when families have not seen obvious warning signs.

Tennenbaum also said that in prior screenings, about 5% of children screened had an unknown abnormality. She attributed most of those findings to structural genetic abnormalities, describing scenarios in which a family member may have an issue they were not aware of. The report did not specify whether the Woodford County event is expected to produce the same rate of findings.

Families are asked to make a $79 donation to help cover costs, while Tennenbaum said financial assistance is available for those who need it. LEX 18 reported that registration is encouraged in advance, and walk-ups may be accepted if appointments are still available.

For Woodford County Public Schools and local families, the screenings represent a time-limited opportunity to connect students and their caregivers with early detection tools during a period when students typically return to athletics and other physical activities. The report did not detail how screening results will be communicated or what follow-up pathway will be provided beyond the event itself.

If the program proceeds as planned, organizers said families can secure time slots for Monday’s clinic by registering ahead of the screening date. Residents seeking participation are expected to rely on the event’s scheduling and appointment availability as announced by MCORE Foundation and Woodford County Public Schools.

Why It Matters

The July 13 timing gives families an opportunity to address potential cardiac risk factors before students return to school and school-related activities.
The screenings focus on detection using an EKG and limited ultrasound, which can help identify potential issues before symptoms appear.
Cost is a practical barrier the program is attempting to reduce through a $79 donation and financial assistance for families who need it.
Woodford County Public Schools’ involvement ties a medical screening effort to a school-year planning window and could affect how families prepare for student health.
Because the report describes abnormalities found in a minority of screened children, the follow-up and result-sharing process matters for families who receive screenings indicating potential concerns.

Sources

Key Facts

MCORE Foundation is partnering with Woodford County Public Schools to offer low-cost cardiac screenings for children and young adults.
The screening event is scheduled for Monday, July 13, ahead of the new school year.
Eligible participants are ages 12 to 22 and the screening includes an EKG and a limited heart ultrasound.
The screening appointment takes about 10 minutes.
The donation requested is $79 to help cover costs, with financial assistance available.
Registration is encouraged in advance, and walk-ups may be accepted if appointments remain open.