Students ages 5 to 20 can get a free heart screening Saturday, Nov. 14, at the health department's Milner Drive building. Appointments 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Children and young adults ages 5 to 20 can get a free heart screening in Port St. Lucie on Saturday, Nov. 14. Appointments run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The screening is hosted by the Jessica Clinton MVP Foundation, a Port St. Lucie nonprofit. It takes place at the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County’s Larry J. Lee Public Health Building, 5150 NW Milner Drive, off Midway Road. The details are on the foundation’s 2026 flyer.

St. Lucie Public Schools is promoting the event with the Florida Department of Health and the foundation. The district posted the notice to families on its LucieLink news site.

Quick facts
When Saturday, Nov. 14, appointments 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where Larry J. Lee Public Health Building, 5150 NW Milner Drive, Port St. Lucie
Who Students ages 5 to 20
Cost Free
Book Online at jessicaclinton.org or by calling 772-215-1912

Why the foundation runs it

The foundation is named for Jessica Clinton, a St. Lucie West Centennial High School senior and varsity cheerleading captain. She died Oct. 2, 2003, at 17, after a cheerleading practice.

According to the foundation’s own history, she had a severe heart condition, mitral valve prolapse. It had not been found in earlier medical examinations, and her family did not know about it. The district’s notice says she died “partly because of an undiagnosed heart condition.”

Her family started the foundation in January 2004. It says it has since given more than 65 automated external defibrillators to Florida schools and recreation sites. It also runs CPR and AED training and encourages electrocardiogram (EKG) screening for people of all ages.

The screening is now an annual event. The foundation’s home page asks for help filling more than 500 goodie bags for the children who come.

Five women in medical scrubs and uniforms stand in a clinic waiting area with a person in a silver superhero costume with a red heart and lightning bolt on the chest.
Medical staff with the foundation's heart-themed mascot, in a picture from the foundation's events page. Photo: courtesy of the Jessica Clinton MVP Foundation

Who is backing it

The flyer lists the sponsors. They include:

  • the Florida Department of Health
  • Safe Kids Treasure Coast
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital
  • Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
  • Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
  • Florida Coast Medical Center
  • Indian River State College
  • Parent Heart Watch, a national group working to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in young people

What it means for you

  • Book a time. The flyer gives appointment times, so register before you go. Use the QR code on the flyer, the foundation’s website, or call Cheryl Lalloo at 772-215-1912. She is the foundation’s founder and Jessica’s mother.
  • Check the age. The screening is for students 5 to 20 years old.
  • It costs nothing. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and takes donations, but the screening is free.
  • Plan the trip. The health building is on NW Milner Drive off Midway Road, near St. Lucie West. For other free and low-cost family options this month, see our kids’ activities guide and things to do.

Families with questions about a child’s results should follow up with their own doctor. For school health services, see our schools guide.