Why are K-12 and College Athletic Injuries a Public Health Issue?

Why are K-12 and College Athletic Injuries a Public Health Issue?

Speakers: Lori Dewald, PhD, MCHES® and Tory Lindley, MA, ATC

All organized sports put children, high school students, and college students at risk of being injured. Surprisingly, 62% of all injuries occur in practice and not in competition. What are the most common sports-related injuries? How are athletic injuries evaluated, treated, and rehabilitated? What is all this concern I hear about regarding concussions? What is “return to learn”? How does “RTL” affect the athlete? How does RTL affect the educators and how they teach in their classrooms? While all colleges employ certified athletic trainers, how many high schools employ certified athletic trainers? What is the role of the certified athletic trainer in public health?  What do athletic injuries have to do with public health? Do high schools and college athletic departments collect data on athletic injuries? This presentation will answer all of these questions and provide epidemiological data that demonstrates the need for collaboration between K-12 school and university athletic departments and public health professionals.