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Alaska Leaders Acknowledge the Value of Athletic Trainers

Athletic trainers are gaining recognition in Alaska, with recent shout-outs from U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan and Alaska gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson.

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals who specialize in injury prevention, emergency care, clinical evaluation, rehabilitation, and helping patients safely return to activity. Despite their extensive education and clinical responsibilities, the profession is often misunderstood or overlooked.

Recently, Senator Dan Sullivan and gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson took time to acknowledge athletic trainers and their contributions to healthcare and athletics.

Wilson, a former figure skater, brings a personal connection to the athletic community and has expressed an appreciation for the role athletic trainers play in supporting athletes.

These acknowledgments are particularly meaningful as athletic trainers continue advocating for greater professional recognition, appropriate compensation, and expanded opportunities to serve their communities.

In Alaska, athletic trainers have the potential to make an impact well beyond traditional school and collegiate athletics. From rural healthcare and industrial worksites to military readiness, public safety, and community wellness, their clinical expertise can support the state’s unique healthcare needs.

Recognition is an important first step, but awareness must translate into meaningful conversations about workforce development, access to care, and the future of athletic training in Alaska.

Regardless of political affiliation, seeing public figures acknowledge the athletic training profession creates opportunities for education, advocacy, and greater understanding of the essential services athletic trainers provide.

Thank you to Senator Sullivan and Bernadette Wilson for taking the time to recognize Alaska’s athletic trainers.

Athletic trainers are healthcare professionals. Their work extends far beyond the sidelines.

*Watch the full shout out video on To The Bone social media accounts