Tuesday morning, House Bill 4622, “An Act to Protect the Lives of Student Athletes; Freddy’s Law” was presented in a public hearing before the Joint Committee on Financial Services. Joining bill sponsor State Rep. Tom Walsh (D-Peabody) at the hearing were the families and supporters of Freddy Espinal, of Peabody, who tragically passed away following sudden cardiac arrest on the playing field.
H4622 will require all high school athletes to undergo an electrocardiogram screening as part of their mandatory sports physical, conducted prior to participation in school sports. Under H4622, the costs of the screening will be covered by health insurance, protecting parents from additional fees. Previously undetected heart issues that can result in Sudden Cardiac Arrest will be found and treated, and the risk of SCA lowered. H4622’s proactive approach to preventing tragedy will flag high-risk heart conditions, allowing for treatment before physical exertion in a high school sports session triggers a cardiac event.
“I’m proud and motivated to champion this bill by the passion of the Espinals, Faceys, and families across our Commonwealth who have experienced the heartbreaking loss of their child in a very public way and have channeled their grief into action,” Walsh said. “I believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and by making young athletes and their parents aware of previously unknown high-risk cardiovascular conditions, these young men and women can seek treatment and avoid tragedy on the playing field.”
Freddy’s mom Adell Labonte said, “As Freddy’s family, we carry his memory with us every day, and it is our deepest hope that no other family has to experience the pain we endure. Freddy’s law is more than legislation. It is a lifeline. By requiring EKG screenings for high school students, we are giving young people a chance to catch silent, life-threatening heart conditions before it’s too late. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has stood with us to turn out heartbreak into meaningful protection for our families. Freddy’s legacy will live on through every life. This law helps save lives.”
Melissa Facey said, “The pain and loss is an unbearable weight, but the knowledge that accompanies it is the most cruel form of torture. We have to live the rest of our lives knowing that a simple, five-minute ECG/EKG screening, a test that costs less than a pair of soccer cleats, could have potentially saved JJ. It could have given him a diagnosis. It could have allowed him to still be here.”
Introduced by Walsh and Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) and cosponsored by Representatives Sally Kerans (D-Danvers), Kathleen LaNatra (D-Kingston), and Lisa Field (D-Taunton), H4622 is modeled after landmark legislation sponsored by former professional football player and Florida State Sen. Corey Simon (R-District 3), which was passed unanimously and was signed into law in the Sunshine State earlier this year.
Under H4622, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association will be responsible for developing the policies and procedures for this life-saving screening requirement.
“An Act to Protect the Lives of Student Athletes; Freddy’s Law” is currently before the Joint Committee on Financial Services for consideration. To learn more about the legislation or get involved, contact Walsh at 617-722-2410 or via email at Thomas.Walsh@mahouse.gov.
