Wilkes-Barre, Pa., January 24, 2023—In collaboration with the Peyton Walker Foundation and Geisinger Health System, King’s College will host a free heart screening clinic for children ages 12 to 19 on Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Richard Abbas Alley Center for Health Sciences on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Offered for a third year, the clinic is open to students who are not currently under the care of a cardiologist and includes a free electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) and vitals check. For those whose results indicate the need for additional testing, echocardiograms will also be provided free of charge.
Faculty and students from the King’s College health sciences programs, which include physician assistant, nursing, athletic training, exercise science, and occupational therapy, will oversee the event. The clinic will also include CPR and AED education while awaiting results.

Typically, 2% of youth that are screened are diagnosed with a heart abnormality or concern, while 1% are diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition.

“Standard physicals and well child check-ups alone can miss over 90% of heart issues that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest,” said Julie Walker, executive director of the foundation and Peyton’s mother. “It is imperative that children receive baseline electrocardiograms to help identify these hidden heart issues.”

No co-pays or insurance cards are required, but parents must make an appointment at peytonwalker.org by Monday, February 13, 2023.

The Peyton Walker Foundation was created in memory of a former King’s College physician assistant major who died unexpectedly in 2013 from Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The foundation’s mission is to increase awareness of and survival rates for Sudden Cardiac Arrest by providing free heart screenings, hosting several CPR and AED training classes each year for community members, and donating AEDs to various community organizations, schools, athletic clubs, and police departments.