How One Hospital Outreach Program Prepares Schools for Football Season

As football season approaches, Athletic Trainers across the country are shifting into one of their busiest times of the year. At North Mississippi Medical Center Sports Medicine, that preparation extends far beyond the sidelines.

Now entering its 31st year, the hospital's outreach sports medicine program provides certified Athletic Trainers to nine area high schools and Itawamba Community College, helping schools prepare for the challenges that come with preseason practices and Friday night football.

For manager Walt Wilkins, August means one priority above all else: preventing heat illness.

"The most important things to do to protect athletes during extreme heat situations is to make sure they stay hydrated and take a look at a modified practice schedule," Wilkins said.

Like many states, Mississippi now requires schools to use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) readings to guide outdoor activity. Wilkins said Athletic Trainers monitor conditions, evaluate athletes for signs of heat illness, and ensure cold-water immersion equipment is available when needed.

But heat safety is only one part of the job.

Athletic Trainers also review emergency action plans before the season begins, perform on-field injury evaluations, determine when physician referrals are needed, and provide coverage for practices and games throughout the fall.

One unique aspect of the program is its Saturday morning injury clinic, where athletes injured during Friday night games receive free X-rays and orthopedic evaluations to help families, coaches, and healthcare providers quickly develop a treatment plan.

Beyond football, the outreach team provides CPR certification, preseason physicals, injury-prevention education, community presentations, and support for Special Olympics events.

"I know I am biased, but I believe the NMMC Sports Medicine Program provides a huge service to the community," Wilkins said.

More than three decades after it began, the program continues to demonstrate how hospital outreach Athletic Trainers can improve athlete safety while strengthening relationships between schools, physicians, and local communities. More details here!