NATA Now

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.

The well-being, rights and dignity of humans are unalienable. We stand firmly on the side of justice and in support of active solutions that bring us together as a nation and fosters the appreciation and uniqueness of all people – regardless of race, where they live or who they love.

The COVID-19 pandemic left gyms, fitness centers, school athletic facilities and some outdoor recreation areas across the globe closed for months at a time. Only within the past couple of weeks have these places, all where athletes are used to going to maintain physical and athletic capacity, begun to reopen with limited capacity.

By Lorin Cartwright, MS, ATC, CAA, Timothy Neal, MS, AT, ATC, and Sean Rogers, DAT, ATC, NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee

The minority stress theory suggests that sexual minorities, underrepresented gender identities as well as queer and other sexual identities (LGBTQ+) commonly experience distinct and chronic stressors related to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Societal shifts in understanding of various gender identities, expressions and sexual orientations began with major advocacy, education and research efforts in the 1980s.

By Ami Adams, MS, ATC, CES, NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee

Mental health is a vital component in overall wellness, and it is highlighted especially within the LGBTQ+ community.

All athletic training state practice acts allow for athletic trainers to deliver physical medicine and rehabilitation services that are potentially billable, and most allow for the possibility of billing insurance companies; however, there is a very small percentage of ATs who are billing successfully and being reimbursed for their services.

Editor’s note: In honor of Mental Health Month, NATA is conducting a weekly mental health blog series throughout May to examine different facets of this topic and how they impact athletic trainers and their patients. This article focuses on the resources available to better manage stress, and how to identify when support after a stressful situation is needed.

In an effort to ease the process of state associations transitioning annual meetings and state symposia to online platforms, the NATA State Association Advisory Committee recently released the COVID-19 Resources for State Leaders document. The document is available now on the NATA COVID-19 resources webpage.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, athletic trainers have stepped up to help their local health care systems in multiple ways, including screening, telemedicine and infrastructure. NATA will share what athletic trainers everywhere are doing to care for their patients, communities and themselves during this time.

Editor’s note: In honor of Mental Health Month, NATA is conducting a weekly mental health blog series throughout May to examine different facets of this topic and how they impact athletic trainers and their patients. This article focuses on how athletic trainers can create a wellness survey for secondary school student athletes.

The May issue of NATA News features a special look at each of the six athletic trainers inducted into the NATA Hall of Fame this year. From their accomplishments and contributions to the profession to their own personal passions and influences, each one has a great story to tell. We are continuing the conversation on the NATA Now blog in May.

What is your hope for the future of the athletic training profession?

Glen “Larry” Cooper, MS, LAT, ATC