High school athletic programs receive funding from Reid Health Community Benefit

Dec. 28, 2023 -- Ten area high schools recently received funding from Reid Health Community Benefit for athletic supplies to help prevent or care for sports-related injuries. The $11,000 total donation will reach 2,630 student-athletes this year.

"We recognize the importance for our schools to have access to the athletic supplies that help keep their student-athletes safe," said Jess Przybysz, Director of Reid Health Community Benefit and Engagement.

Community Benefit additionally provides a Reid Health certified athletic trainer for each of the school districts and covers the costs of their salaries and benefits. The athletic trainers are assigned to a school district, and each trainer presented the donation to their school's athletic director.

Funds can be used for purchases or reimbursement on items such as athletic tape, rehabilitation equipment, rehydration drinks, coolers, contact solutions, disinfectants, and more.

High schools receiving the donation included Centerville, Connersville, Hagerstown, Lincoln, Northeastern, Randolph Southern, Richmond, Seton, Union City, and Winchester.

"By having the athletic supplies readily available, athletic trainers can more efficiently provide care. Supply donations help to alleviate some of the financial stress for our schools, benefitting our communities," Przybysz said.

Jesse Tittle, Manager of Sports Medicine and Reid Fitness, said some school districts might not have as much funding for athletics, which narrows the treatment options available to athletic trainers.

"Athletic trainers are kind of like Swiss Army knives," Tittle said. "We can do a lot of things, but if we don't have the supplies to do them, it limits us to just providing ice, heat, and stretching, and we're so much more than that.

"The smallest details, like a roll of tape, can make the biggest difference to some of these kids."

The 2023 contribution is up from last year's $8,000 to keep pace with cost increases.

Jason Troutwine, Reid Health Vice President/Reid Foundation President, said Reid's partnership with the school districts is beneficial for the sports programs and the community.

"Sports programs provide an opportunity for students to learn teamwork, time management, work ethic, and how to take care of their body. Reid trainers do a great job and play an important role in that process by working with student-athletes to help keep them safe. We're very pleased to continue this program for the schools and communities we serve," Troutwine said.

Athletic trainers help with pre-conditioning, set up a weight training program, assist coaches and student-athletes in preparing for early-season or over-use injuries, and respond to injuries as they occur. Athletic trainers can also refer student-athletes for treatment or help with rehabilitation.

"Athletic trainers put in countless hours," Przybysz said. "They are a huge asset to have there on the court or field to make sure our student-athletes are safe and performing at their best."

At the start of a sports season, athletic trainers organize impact concussion testing performed by Reid Health ImPACT certified providers. Impact tests establish a baseline for brain health to help athletic trainers determine if an athlete might have a concussion or when it is safe to start a return to play protocol. The baseline testing is funded through a grant provided by the Reid Health Foundation. Athletic trainers also have an orthopedic skillset to gauge bone, ligament, and muscle health.

"I'm grateful that Reid Health continues to support the Athletic Trainer program in our schools. In a time of financial issues across the nation, they're still putting our communities first and making sure our youth are taken care of. It's nice to be involved with an organization that puts the community first," Tittle said.