Healthy Heart Awareness

Along with traditional academic focuses, Chatham Charter has multiple initiatives in place that target healthy heart awareness.

Who We Play For

Families of young people ages 10 and up will have the opportunity to schedule an electrocardiogram (ECG) screening on October 6th through the Who We Play For program. The cost of $20 is paid online when the family pre-registers. There is financial assistance if needed. Screenings are conducted by Chatham Charter’s school nurse between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at appointment times scheduled during pre-registration. Testing data is interpreted by a pediatric cardiologist, and results are shared directly with the family. Who We Play For is an organization that has a mission of eliminating preventable sudden cardiac arrest. See details about the screenings in a video detailing what to expect and facts about sudden cardiac arrest in the Who We Play For flier.

AEDs on Campus

Chatham Charter has six automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on campus. They are located inside the gym at the main entrance, in front of the elementary reception desk, in the high school at the back door, in the nurse’s office, in the preschool building, and at the softball/soccer fields. AEDs are strategically placed across the school campus with the goal of being accessible within three minutes or less to increase chances of a person surviving a cardiac arrest.

Proactive Medical Safety Measures

Chatham Charter is fortunate to have a full-time school nurse, Dawn Murphy, on staff. Many state public schools in the range of 600 students share a school nurse with other schools. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reported in its 2024-2025 North Carolina Charter School Health Services Report that “54% of charter schools employed a school nurse full- or part-time.” 

Chatham Charter currently has 50 school staff and coaches who are certified in CPR and first aid by the American Red Cross.

Project ADAM Heart Safe School Designation

Chatham Charter is proactive in readiness to respond in the event of a cardiac emergency and is a designated Heart Safe School through Project Adam. Nurse Murphy coordinates an annual cardiac drill on campus to evaluate the staff’s rapid response during a simulated cardiac emergency. She documents all stages of activating the school’s cardiac emergency response plan and debriefs with the team afterwards.

Kid’s Heart Challenge

Nurse Murphy partners with PE teacher Danny Martin each February for the Kid’s Heart Challenge through the American Heart Association. They educate K-5 students on heart health and even demonstrate the basics of hands-only CPR. Mr. Martin also incorporates heart-healthy activities into classes.