Cookeville Regional officials will once again provide athletic trainer services to the three Putnam County Schools at no cost.
The agreement between Putnam County Schools and CRMC expires at the end of next school year. Cookeville Regional Marketing and Communications Director Hannah Davis said CRMC will evaluate the contract closer to the renewal date to make sure it is feasible and responsible.
“Cookeville Regional Medical Center and the Putnam County School System, not speaking for them, but we are all committed to making sure students are safe and healthy on and off the field,” Davis said. “And for us, it’s been a joy to be alongside them on the field, making sure that they are ready to play sports and perform.”
Davis said the athletic trainers are certified sports medicine therapists, and they have the same authority to clear athletes for play as a primary care doctor.
“They are able to rehab [athletes] back to health through exercises and programs, and re-evaluations to get them back on the field, and make sure they’re strong enough to do so.”
Davis said athletic therapists make a lot of sacrifices, but they love seeing students excel at the sports they enjoy.
“Our athletic trainers at each school deeply care about these students,” Davis said. “They want to see them succeed in their athletics and their academics.”
CRMC trainers have worked with all three Putnam County high schools for the last five years. Davis said athletic trainers are on site to help students prevent injuries and help injured athletes return to play.
