EKG4BRE PROGRAM

The Breanna Vergara Foundation, in partnership with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, has created a life-saving initiative for children. Known as the #EKG4Bre program, the focus of this unique heart screening series is to create an awareness on the importance of pediatric heart screenings in an effort to identify children at risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Together, we host community events where free EKGs are provided to children. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital offers free EKGs at the hospital’s main campus and its outpatient centers in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. With the #EKG4Bre program, we now are able to screen more children and potentially save more young lives as the heart screenings will conveniently take place at community locations (such as schools, summer camps, dance studios, athletic fields, community health fairs, and places where children are active in play and sports). To hear a child say, “Breanna Vergara saved my life,” is Bre-Bre’s greatest legacy. It is a gift from her heart that will beat forever.

To schedule an appointment for a free pediatric EKG heart screening, please call The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Heart Program at (855) 624-3547. If you would like more information on scheduling an #EKG4Bre event for a youth organization, please contact [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

IS A HEART SCREENING INVASIVE OR PAINFUL?
No. An EKG is non-invasive, it does not require any needles, and it is completely pain-free.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY CHILD SCREENED?
The American Heart Association currently recommends screenings every two years for children ages 12-22. It is our mission to create awareness on the need for all children to get an EKG done every year, along with their annual physical exam.

IS HEALTH INSURANCE NEEDED IN ORDER TO HAVE A HEART SCREENING?
No, in partnership with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, The Breanna Vergara Foundation offers free EKGs to children ages 5-21.

WHAT DOES THE HEART SCREENING INCLUDE?
The #EKG4Bre program offered by The Breanna Vergara Foundation and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital includes a free electrocardiogram, SCA Risk History Questionnaire, and thorough screening review by a board certified cardiologist.

WHERE WILL THE HEART SCREENING TAKE PLACE?
Free heart screenings are offered at the main campus of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital or at any of the hospital’s outpatient centers in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Additionally, #EKG4Bre events can be hosted at local community locations, such as schools, summer camps, dance studios, athletic fields, community health fairs, and places where children are active in play and sports.

HOW LONG DOES THE HEART SCREENING TAKE?
The heart screening takes approximately 10 minutes.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE RESULTS?
The screening results will be reviewed and interpreted by a board certified cardiologist from The Heart Program at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. If cause for immediate concern is found, you will be contacted within 24-48 hours. Otherwise, you will receive a letter in the mail within 7-10 business days.