By Darrin Scheid

Standing on the sidelines, Heather Prahl, ATC, LAT, looked toward action happening near the 50-yard line and stopped for a moment to soak in the moment.

If you’re watching the “Today” show early in the morning March 6, pay attention as the camera scans the plaza – you might just see a familiar face or two.

This March, athletic trainers from New York and the surrounding area are once again making their annual trek to the Today Plaza in honor of National Athletic Training Month, a tradition that began in 2013.

NATA is bringing back Capitol Hill Day, which will take place with the accompanying Policy Summit March 30-31 in Washington, D.C. Registration is open through March 6.

A popular event among members, Capitol Hill Day is an opportunity for NATA to bring together athletic trainers from around the country to meet with congressional staff and advocate on behalf of the profession.

Every day, NATA is working on behalf of the athletic training profession. With staff members experienced in all aspects of the legislative and regulatory process, the NATA Government Affairs Department is the sole department focused on advocacy for the profession. NATA’s goal is to ensure that all ATs can work to the fullest extent of their education and skill set.

UPDATE: On Jan. 30, the Department of Education posted the proposed rule "Reimagining and Improving Student Education." The comment period for the proposal is currently open and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST March 2. 

By Kristin Carroll

“I think I’ll be an NATA member for life now,” said Kelli Florio, LAT, ATC, CSCS, an athletic trainer in the armed forces setting. “But I think it took something that directly impacted me to understand exactly what NATA was doing; for me to understand where that money was going.”

Since 2005, the NATA Political Action Committee (NATAPAC) has been the voice of the athletic training profession, seeking better working conditions, fair access and the right to practice for all athletic trainers across America.

Every day, NATA and the NATA Government Affairs Department are working on behalf of the athletic training profession. With staff members experienced in all aspects of the legislative process, the NATA Government Affairs Department is the sole department focused on advocacy for the profession. NATA’s goal is to ensure that all ATs can work to the fullest extent of their education and skill set.

As attendees learned the latest in athletic training professional development, NATA hosted two national media briefings during the 76th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo June 24-27 in Orlando, showcasing the expertise of members in the health care landscape. 

In the Chuck Kimmel Memorial NATAPAC Luncheon keynote address, Mark Coberley, MS LAT, ATC, NATA Hall of Fame member and past District Five director, offered reflections on leadership, advocacy and the power of consistent, intentional action. 

Speaking to a room of emerging and established leaders, he delivered a compelling message built not on personal accolades, but on decades of observation and lived experience.