By-Line: AdventHealth
Over two days in May, Flagler Palm Coast High School wasn’t just a place for homework and homeroom – it became a pop-up clinic where more than 800 students received free sports physicals and heart screenings, courtesy of AdventHealth.
The annual event is designed to clear students for sports, JROTC, band, and fire academy activities. But, it’s also about something bigger: catching health issues early, connecting families to care, and making sure no child misses out due to lack of access.
“Think of it like a pre-season checkup with a safety net,” said Erik Nason, director of strategic partnership operations at AdventHealth. “We’re not just signing forms. We’re making sure kids are ready to compete and stay healthy while doing it.”
In total, 777 physicals and 841 electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings were completed.
Fourteen percent of students who came through the doors shared that they don’t currently have a primary care physician – a statistic that underscores the importance of accessible care.
“Families are busy. Appointments are hard to get. Insurance can be a hurdle. That’s why we bring care directly to where students are,” said Nason. “For some, this might be the only check-in with a healthcare provider all year. And in rare cases, it could be the one moment that prevents a tragedy. When you think about it like that, it’s not just a physical – it’s peace of mind.”
This annual event has already made a lifesaving difference for students like Brogan Kelly, whose ECG detected a potentially fatal heart condition, and Ethan Piazza, whose diagnosis led to treatment – and later, inspired his family to volunteer.
“Our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Christ,” Nason added. “That means showing up, not just in hospitals, but in high school gyms, side-by-side with our neighbors.”
For AdventHealth, the screenings reflect a larger commitment: reinvesting in the health of the neighborhoods they serve. In 2023 alone, AdventHealth contributed more than $16 billion to Florida’s economy and millions toward unreimbursed care and community initiatives across the state.
