The enhanced services have already begun at the Coffman YMCA, and will begin on Aug. 5 at the Miami County YMCAs.
“Premier Health has one of the largest athletic trainer school partnerships in the state. With a mission of building healthier communities, the program allows for Premier Health athletic trainers to provide a safe, responsive and educational environment for our student athletes,” said Gary Blake, Premier Health vice president, service integration, orthopedics and sports medicine.
Blake said the new agreements are a natural progression of the expertise and outreach that Premier Health already provides to 37 school partners.
“Athletic trainers can work with staff and members to assess, prevent, and manage fitness-related injuries,” Blake said. “In addition, Premier Health will be providing many education sessions designed around a myriad of topics to improve health for all ages.”
The Coffman YMCA, whose agreement is with Premier Health and Miami Valley Hospital, is the largest-volume YMCA in the region with more than 2,000 member visits per day.
“This provides a great opportunity for Premier Health to partner and provide injury assessment, prevention, and management through the athletic trainer program,” Blake said.
The Coffman YMCA is always looking for innovative ways to better serve its members, said David Thompson, group vice president and director of the Coffman YMCA.
“The addition of a certified athletic trainer at the Coffman Y will provide improved services to our members and strengthen our partnership with Premier Health,” Thompson said. “One of the benefits of an inhouse athletic trainer is that she is available and accessible to help members to get the help they need to recover faster.”
Bri Brinkman will provide athletic training care at the Coffman YMCA. Jonny Nemeth will provide the athletic training services at the Miami County YMCA branches.
“The YMCA is happy to expand its partnership with Premier Health to provide a full-time athletic trainer in YMCA facilities who can offer our members direct access to injury evaluation and treatment,” said Jim McMaken, Miami County YMCA general executive.
About the Author