Morris Hospital Offers Free Cardiac Screenings for High School Students
Morris, IL – Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is expanding its commitment to youth health by offering its Rhythm of Our youth
cardiac screening program outside of school premises for the first time. This initiative aims to identify potential cardiac abnormalities in young individuals, perhaps preventing sudden cardiac death.
The special screening event is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.at the Morris Hospital YMCA, located at 2200 W.Dupont Ave., Morris.
Who is Eligible?
- Students entering their freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school during the 2025/26 school year.
- 2025 high school graduates.
The screening is entirely free for eligible students.
The Importance of Cardiac Screening
Sudden cardiac death is a tragic reality, claiming over 2,000 lives of children and adolescents in the United States annually. Many of these cases involve underlying heart conditions that could be detected through a simple electrocardiogram (ECG).
Did you know?
Most victims of sudden cardiac death have had underlying heart conditions that could have been detected through a simple ECG.
Morris Hospital launched Rhythm of Our Youth
in 2016, thanks to generous donations to the Morris Hospital Foundation. Since its inception, the program has screened over 14,000 area high school students.
What to Expect During the Screening
The screening process involves an electrocardiogram (ECG), a non-invasive and painless test that measures the heart’s electrical activity. The test takes approximately three minutes to complete.
According to Morris Hospital, the purpose of the screening is to identify high school students who have an undiagnosed cardiac abnormality that could result in sudden cardiac death.
Based on screening results, about 3 percent of students are referred to their physician for further evaluation. Typically, less than 1 percent are found to have a medical problem requiring cardiac intervention.
Results are sent directly to the student’s parents and are not shared with the school.
Parental Consent is Required
Parents must complete an electronic consent form before the screening day for their student to participate.
How to Register
Parents can register their teen for the July 12 Rhythm of Our Youth
screening by visiting morrishospital.org/events and then choose Rhythm of Our Youth at the YMCA. Appointments are scheduled in 15-minute increments.
Parents must also complete a Consent for Screening form,which is also available on the hospital website.
For More Details
For additional details, contact Morris Hospital at 815-705-7355.
