ATTLEBORO — The Attleboro Fire Department is proud to support a free youth heart screening
event aimed at identifying undiagnosed cardiac conditions and improving community safety.
The screening event, hosted by Sisters at Heart in partnership with Who We Play For, will take
place on Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Athletes Acceleration, 749 South Washington
St., North Attleboro. The event is open to students ages 10 to 25 and will provide free
electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings performed by medical professionals and interpreted by
board-certified cardiologists.
Attleboro Fire Department paramedics will be volunteering their time to assist with screenings
and support event operations.
Sudden cardiac arrest remains a leading cause of death among young athletes and on school
campuses nationwide. National heart health organizations report that approximately 1 in 300
youth have a detectable heart condition, and 80% of those affected have no symptoms prior
to a cardiac event.
The Attleboro Fire Department has long prioritized cardiac emergency preparedness within the
community. More than a decade ago, Lt. Corey Blais & Lt. Andy Nunes launched “Heart Safe Schools”
program, through which firefighter-paramedics teach CPR, AED use, and life-saving skills to high
school freshmen each year. Currently, Lt. Sam Walker is leading the program.
“This event reflects the continued commitment of our firefighter-paramedics to protect the
community beyond emergency response,” said District Chief of EMS Steve Stellakis. “For more
than a decade, we have worked to make our schools and public spaces safer through CPR
training and AED awareness. Helping organizations like Sisters at Heart allows us to take another
proactive step by helping identify potential heart conditions before an emergency occurs.”
In October 2024, Sisters at Heart further strengthened community safety by donating eight
automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that were installed at public athletic fields and other
locations throughout Attleboro. Early CPR and rapid AED use are critical factors in improving
survival from sudden cardiac arrest.
Community partnerships, prevention programs, and screening opportunities like this event help
ensure families have access to tools and information that can save lives.
Event Details
What: Free Youth Heart Screening
When: Friday, May 9, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Athletes Acceleration
749 South Washington St.
North Attleboro, MA
Who: Students ages 10 to 25
Cost: Free (Donations accepted)
Registration:
Sisters of Heart – Athletes Acceleration – Participant Sign Up and Consent
Screenings are painless, non-invasive, and typically take less than five minutes to complete.
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