La Crosse, Wis. - During March, athletic trainers across America are being recognized for their commitment to helping people prevent injuries and stay healthy and active.  March is National Athletic Training Month sponsored by the National Athletics Trainers' Association (NATA).  This marks the 20th Annual National Athletic Training Month with this year's theme "ATs Impact Health Care Through Action." 

Athletic trainers are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who provide service or treatment to those who have sustained injuries.  Athletic training encompasses the prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergent, acute or chronic injuries and medical conditions.  Their patients are usually athletes, but others might seek treatment as well.

As part of the 2020 National Athletic Training Month, UWL athletic training students are conducting a food drive in partner with Hunger task force to help the people in need of food in the La Crosse area.  Athletic trainers help oversee nutrition in athletes and would like to help benefit the community with donated food items.   

"Our goal is to have people donate one food item or $1.00 for the drive," said UWL senior athletic training student Adam Larsen.  Anyone wishing to donate can contact Larsen at Larsen.adam2@uwlax.edu.

Donations can be dropped off at the UWL Athletic Training Room, located in 10 Mitchell Hall.

The UWL Department of Exercise and Sport Science houses the athletic training program and values diversity in its faculty and student body.  The department is engaged in sincere efforts to be a leader in Wisconsin's movement toward increased diversity and inclusiveness.  The Athletic Training Program at UWL is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).  The undergraduate program will be fully phased out in May 2020 as it transitions to a Master's Degree program.

The athletic training program at UWL was the first accredited athletic training program in the state of Wisconsin, and offers one of the most competitive, in-depth and hands-on athletic training programs in the country.  The athletic training program has gained an excellent reputation for involving their athletic training students in various year-round athletic training opportunities.

Over the last three years, athletic training students have:

• First-time pass rate on the BOC Examination is 97% (34 out of 35)
• Overall pass rate is 100% (35/35)
• Job placement (within 6 months of graduation) is 80% (28 out of 35)
• Retention and graduation rate is 100% (35 out of 35).

For more information on the UW-La Crosse Athletic Training Program, click here.

For more information on the National Athletic Trainers' Association, click here.