Athletic Trainers and MAHA

No matter where you lie on the political spectrum as an athletic trainer, we have an opportunity to kick the door down by leveraging the current mission of healthcare reform to highlight and capitalize on the value of AT.

ATs already missed the boat of opportunity to fully capitalize on advancing the profession during the pandemic, especially in terms of advocacy, compensation, leadership, integration, business opportunities, broader recognition as a legitimate healthcare role, and strengthening ties to public health and safety in a time of need.

By examining the mission of "Make America Healthy Again," its vision aligns closely with the practice of AT:

Poverty's Impact on Health

Health is a major social determinant; it has been recognized that poverty significantly affects health outcomes. Lack of access to basic healthcare, poor living conditions, & inadequate nutrition are significant barriers to good health. Addressing these needs in inner-city communities & rural populations often included infrastructure & services for underserved areas.

Promoting Health Innovation and Deregulation in Health Policy

A "Make America Healthy Again" agenda focuses on reducing bureaucratic barriers to health innovation & expanding opportunities for medical research and solutions. It could push for making healthcare more market-driven, allowing consumers to have more choice & control over their health plans. Increase patient accessibility and efficiency through telehealth & tech health measures. ATs can play a key role in expanding care delivery.

Combating Public Health Access and Equity Issues

➡️ Mental Health Advocacy: Addressing conditions & ensuring proper access to care is a priority. ATs are uniquely positioned to advocate for mental health & can work toward better access to mental health services.

➡️ Health & Well-Being Education: This movement emphasizes the importance of education as a tool for social change

➡️ Focus Geographic Health Issues: The mission addresses the healthcare challenges in rural & impoverished urban areas, communities where healthcare services are often scarce.

ATs help level the playing field by delivering vital health services, often in settings where access to specialized care may be limited. Our work is crucial in advocating for better healthcare for all individuals, regardless of background

🎯 By seizing the opportunity to showcase how athletic training expertise contributes to this mission through injury prevention, rehabilitation, & overall health, we could elevate our advocacy & recognition in society

If we can look beyond political divides, the "MAHA" mission aligns with many core values of the AT profession. Several aspects of this mission strongly resonate with the work we do every day, & embracing this alignment could catapult our profession forward in ways that have not yet been realized.