The NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee has selected a new graduate student representative: Chaerin Yeom.

Being a culturally competent health care provider is not limited to understanding variances in gender identity, race or ethnicity – ATs must also be aware of their patient’s religious values. This type of education and awareness can come from personal experience and/or a proactive effort to increase personal awareness of religious traditions that may vary from the one’s own. 

For someone who belongs to a marginalized or minoritized group, having an ally can have a significant impact, especially on their emotional and mental well-being.

In the November NATA News, NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee District Four Rep. Samar Long, MSEd, AT, ATC, interviewed Marisha Little, LAT, ATC, and Chris Dake, EdD, LAT, ATC, with the University of West Florida, about their efforts to increase awareness of the athletic training profession on the Navajo Reservation.

On June 3, NATA launched “Listen First,” Phase I of our overall plan in response to the global racial awakening as a result of the murder of George Floyd. Phase I created a virtual safe space for members and leaders to share concerns and feedback on how we can individually and collectively enact change for our Black members and patients.

After hosting a successful call-in event in June, the NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee and ATs Care Commission will team up once again to host call-in nights for NATA members and student members to express their emotional response to recent events throughout August.

The past few months have been incredibly difficult. Disparities, inequality, xenophobia and racial injustice have been brought to the forefront of our society. Like many of you, NATA is deeply disturbed and angered by the senseless loss of life due to prejudice and racial injustice.