NATA Now

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

Editor’s note: The Strategic Alliance’s Athletic Training Research Agenda Task Force is highlighting clinical members who have been recognized by one of their colleagues in athletic training as a Clinical Scholar Champion for their efforts in collecting point of care research. This blog series will celebrate clinical scholars in order to illustrate how research is being used in the clinical practice.

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 week’s article focuses on how athletic trainers can assist patients who have post-traumatic stress disorder.