Teaming up to protect student athletes

Teaming up to protect student athletes

When Adam, a Holmen High School junior, dislocated his shoulder during a football game in 2023, athletic trainer Morgan Loken, MA, LAT, CSCS, was already on the sidelines, prepared and ready to help.

As part of Emplify Health by Gundersen's Athletic Training Outreach Program, Morgan had been embedded in the school as its dedicated athletic trainer. Within minutes, she relocated the shoulder right there on the field and went on to support Adam's journey through surgery and nearly a year of rehabilitation. Over time, she became more than just a healthcare provider-she became a trusted confidante, helping him stay focused on his dream of becoming a firefighter. Today, that dream is a reality.

Morgan is not alone in this work. In fact, she is just one of 15 full-time and three on-call athletic trainers supporting 26 schools (including 18 high schools, six middle schools and two colleges) throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. Since the program's inception in 1988, this collaboration between Emplify Health by Gundersen and local schools has helped thousands of student athletes.

Gundersen Medical Foundation is proud to help support this unique, integrated approach to student healthcare because it's one that strengthens families, schools and communities alike.

Keeping young athletes safe

Access to a dedicated athletic trainer at team practices and games can greatly benefit athletes. These healthcare professionals train coaches and team members on safety protocols and injury prevention, providing expert care if injuries occur.

"Injuries to young athletes can have long-term implications if they are not treated properly," says Joe La Mere, MS, ATC, clinical supervisor of the Athletic Training Outreach Program. "This program helps athletes not only in the moment but for the rest of their lives."

In the case of serious injuries, athletic trainers act quickly, providing critical care until Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) arrive. Their advanced certifications allow them to provide a level of care that would not otherwise be available in those crucial moments.

"We are the only athletic training group in Wisconsin currently included in EMS protocols for proper removal of sports equipment like helmets and shoulder pads, which is critical for prompt evaluation and care while minimizing the risk of further injury," says Joe. "Additionally, our athletic trainers undergo rigorous training in concussion protocols."

Growing concern about concussions has changed how they're treated. The athletic trainers now use computer-based neurocognitive testing to obtain a baseline for athletes at the start of their season. Then, if a concussion occurs, the testing can be repeated with the baseline as a reference. This process gives athletic trainers more information that can be used to safely guide students' return to school and sport.

Injuries can also be emotionally difficult, especially for student-athletes whose identities are tied to their sport. By helping students adjust and cope, athletic trainers provide vital emotional support.

"We excel in emergency situations," says Morgan, "but most of our work is in the day-to-day care of injuries. We make it a point to help athletes remain engaged with their team, even while they're healing. Our daily communication helps us get to know athletes and develop a supportive relationship with them. That consistency helps maintain their emotional and mental well-being-just as much as their physical health."

For some students, especially those in rural areas, interactions with embedded athletic trainers may be their most consistent interaction with a healthcare professional, making the program even more impactful.

Providing support to families

While the Athletic Training Outreach Program is focused on athletes, the on-site expertise also benefits parents. "Sports play a huge role in young people's lives. Our program helps make those experiences as safe as possible, focusing on injury prevention and athlete well-being," says Dani Haag, clinical operations director of Orthopedics at Emplify Health by Gundersen. "As a parent myself, this gives me great reassurance and peace of mind."

When injuries occur, families don't have to face the stress of navigating emergency rooms or coordinating care on their own. The athletic trainers offer immediate evaluation, initiate treatment and-if needed-facilitate direct access to orthopedic specialists, surgeons and rehabilitation providers.

"Our strong relationships with specialists in the system allow us to deliver seamless, high-quality care," says Morgan. "We ensure families are informed and feel supported every step of the way so they can focus on their child's well-being and recovery."

Sustaining community partnerships

Like parents and families, the schools who participate in the Athletic Training Outreach Program experience a variety of positive results. Research shows that schools with athletic trainers have lower student injury rates, and students are more likely to report possible concussions so they can receive appropriate medical evaluations.

While safety is most important, this program also helps schools mitigate risk. If an athletic trainer is not available, the coaches and/or school personnel assume responsibility and liability for the athletes' care.

This type of program is legally mandated in some states, but that is not the case for Wisconsin or Minnesota. Schools may choose to participate in such programs, which is becoming more difficult as budgets become strained. Historically, Emplify Health by Gundersen has played a key role in subsidizing program expenses. Support for this program through the Foundation helps keep costs reasonable for schools and supports our ability to deliver this important program.

"Asking schools to increase funding was difficult because we know that schools are struggling financially, too," shares Dani. "As community partners, we do our best to manage resources so we can continue to offer programs that help our community and support the important work our schools are doing. In these difficult financial times, support from Gundersen Medical Foundation has been more critical than ever."

A winning investment in youth and community

This collaboration between high schools and Emplify Health by Gundersen represents an investment in the future of our youth, and the return on such an investment is clear. Embedding skilled athletic trainers directly into schools leads to healthier students, stronger schools and safer communities. The Athletic Training Outreach Program, provided at no cost to student athletes, supports equity by ensuring all youth have access to essential health services that keep them actively engaged in their extra-curricular activities. With continued support, this model can remain a cornerstone of youth wellness for years to come.

You can support the Athletic Training Outreach Program with a gift to Children's Miracle Network.

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