ABINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
PILOT LONG QT SYNDROME AWARENESS PROGRAM
1. Informational letter to all parents/guardians and List Serv recipients. The purpose is
to provide information to better acquaint parents with Long QT Syndrome. The communication
provides information about Long QT. We have developed questions in conjunction with the
Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) Foundation that parents can consider and
discuss with their family physician regarding Long QT as appropriate to their child’s situation.
2. Increasing our school nurses’, teachers’, and coaches awareness – . By providing
information about Long QT Syndrome we are making our staff more aware that this syndrome
exists and its possible consequences. We sensitized the staff to anything they might observe
in a similar way that they might be sensitive to other conditions that affect student health and
learning. Posters and school nurse information kits provided to nursing staff.
3. Working with Abington Memorial Hospital – to increase awareness of members of the
medical community about Long QT Syndrome so that they may better respond to any
questions parents may have.
A community education presentation, “Get Into the Rhythm: Sports, Exercise, and Heart
Health” co-sponsored by the school district and Abington Memorial Hospital includes a panel of
experts in medical issue of sports and athletics, including Long QT and other heart
arrhythmias.
4. Communication with the PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association) –
to investigate specific screening questions on their questionnaire regarding Long QT and heart
arrhythmias.
5. Working with the local media – to increase awareness in the community about Long QT
Syndrome and to publicize the steps Abington School District is taking on this issue. Abington
held a press conference with the media and continues to publicize items aimed at creating
more awareness.
6. Integrating Long QT and wellness into the Health Curriculum – A grant received from
Simon’s Fund is being used to revise Abington’s health curriculum at appropriate grade levels to
include information on Long QT, wellness, and self assessment. These materials will be
available to all school districts.
RESULTS: Telephone calls regarding children exhibiting signs of Long QT, as a result of the
media coverage to us, asking for more information (we refer to SADS Foundation). Parents
making appointments with school nurses and personnel to establish contingency plans for their
Long QT children.
In addition to the above, in Upper Dublin School District:


Article in community newsletter
School nurses forum -- to review available materials and items in pilot programs and
distribute SADS Foundation materials on Long QT.