NATA Now

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youths ages 10 to 24, with approximately 4,700 young people dying by suicide annually in the U.S. Suicide is preventable, and NATA has created an infographic handout to bring more awareness to the issue. The suicide awareness infographic handout, published in the July NATA News, features signs to be aware of that might indicate someone is suicidal and how to get someone help if they are.

The 10 teams that will compete at the 2017 NATA Quiz Bowl in Houston have been determined. Scheduled for 5:15 p.m. on June 28 at the convention, the Quiz Bowl is now in its ninth year and features teams from each district in a Jeopardy-style competition. More than bragging rights will be on the line as the winning team receives $1,000 toward the school’s athletic training program or club. The second and third place teams will receive $500 and $250 respectively.

Athletic trainers who attend all three days of the NATA 68th Clinical Symposia & AT Expo can earn up to 25 CEUs. Of the 25 CEUs available at NATA 2017, there is a potential for five of them to be Evidence-Based Practice category CEUs. Additional CEUs may be earned by attending Advanced Track Seminars (6 CEUs for Monday events; 4 CEUs for Friday events), Minicourses (1 CEU each) and pre-conference Career Development Workshops (CEUs vary).

Navigating a new city can be intimidating. To help relieve travel stress and get you to the many NATA 2017 event locations on time, here are some tips related to getting around Houston.

We look forward to seeing you at the 68th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo June 26-29 in Houston. As the premier educational event for athletic trainers, the NATA convention is a great opportunity to connect with your fellow ATs, learn about the hot topics and important issues facing the profession and view the latest products and services related to athletic training. To help you navigate NATA 2017 with ease, here is some need-to-know information before you head to convention.

All students are invited to the Cramer Student Reception June 27 in Houston. After the conclusion of the academic programming for the day, the reception will start at 4 p.m. in room 320 at the convention center. In addition to free food and drinks, students will have the opportunity to get the Cramer giveaway item a day early. Free Wi-Fi will also be available in the student lounge throughout the convention.

We are excited to announce that Dr. Zubin Damania (ZDoggMD) will be bringing the house down with his comedic, inspirational message in Houston this summer as the 2017 NATA Keynote Speaker. Let’s just say this: You’ve probably never met a physician like Dr. Z before!

UPDATED May 26

NATA President Scott Sailor, EdD, ATC, was one of six individuals to testify Wednesday, May 17, during the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation hearing “Current Issues in American Sports: Protecting the Health and Safety of American Athletes.”

We are excited to announce the winners of the 2017 NATA Public Relations Contest. 

Best Overall Campaign
Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society 

Best State Association Effort
Winner:
North Carolina Athletic Trainers’ Association 

Honorable mention:
Athletic Trainer’s Society of New Jersey 
Connecticut Athletic Trainers’ Association 
Hawaii Athletic Trainers’ Association 

Best Student Effort
Winner: 
Iowa State University 

Steve Allison, LAT, and his staff at Divine Savior Health Care in Portage, Wisconsin, were featured in the June NATA News as a key clinical site for NATA's Third Party Reimbursement Project. Allison started working on achieving third party reimbursement for AT services in 2000, and  his tireless advocacy efforts have allowed him to grow the number of athletic trainers at Divine Savior who are reimbursing for services from just one – himself – to five.