This March, Aultman Orrville Hospital celebrated certified athletic trainer recognition month. Aultman Orrville Hospital employs one full-time and three part-time athletic trainers at Aultman Orrville Sports and Wellness. Athletic trainers work directly with local school systems and students to provide comprehensive athletic training services at practices, games and personal appointments. 

Licensed through the Ohio State Medical Board, athletic trainers are required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. The number of athletic trainers are increasing in schools, however, it is estimated that only half of US high schools have an athletic trainer on site part-time or full-time. 

According to Dave Speicher, Manager of Aultman Orrville Sports and Wellness, athletic trainers provide parents and families reassurance that their young athletes are in safe hands.

“The best care of an athlete – injured or healthy – is provided by the athletic trainer,” Speicher said. “Our trainers are with young athletes each day observing practices and games, along with coordinating a network of coaches, physicians and parents to keep the athlete’s health a top priority.”

Speicher and the Aultman Orrville athletic trainers are also focused on concussions – one of the hot topics currently in sports. Athletic trainers are a key resource in concussion management, research and return-to-play guidelines. Aultman Orrville Hospital will be educating the community on this topic on April 11. Jamie Platz, certified athletic trainer, will present, “Concussions: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding IMPact® Testing” in the Aultman Orrville Community Room at 6 p.m. 

Being an athletic trainer requires skill, compassion and a strong dedication to young athletes and the community. Recognizing March as athletic trainers month, Aultman Orrville asks that you support and thank your athletic trainer for keeping your athletes safe, healthy and on the playing field. For more information on the April 11 health talk, call Community Relations at 330-684-4703.