Mueller Sports Medicine Celebrates 5 Years of PFATS Partnership for Athlete Safety

Mueller Sports Medicine and PFATS Foundation

Mueller Sports Medicine is proud to announce that it has reached a significant milestone: the fifth anniversary of its collaboration with the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) Foundation through the Give-Back Program. This partnership is not only a testament to Mueller's commitment to the safety and health of young athletes but also a response to the critical issue of exertional heat stroke, a leading cause of death among high school athletes across the United States.

The PFATS Foundation, in cooperation with the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI) and guidance from the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), has embarked on a mission to raise awareness and provide essential training on exertional heat illness. The program targets athletic trainers, coaches, educators, parents, and local first responders, all vital players in safeguarding the well-being of student athletes.

To date, the Give-Back Program has made a notable impact by offering support to 42 deserving high schools, benefiting over 11,000 previously ‘At Risk’ young athletes. These schools, often under-resourced, have received funding through KSI's InnovATe initiative, enabling them to hire athletic trainers. These professionals serve as on-site resources to formulate policies that utilize donated products from Mueller Sports Medicine.

As part of its contribution, Mueller provides 'Exertional Heat Stroke Kits', which include critical tools like a data logging core temperature monitor and the Mueller RecoveryCare RecoveryTub - a portable cold water immersion tub. These kits adhere to NATA guidelines and are pivotal in protecting athletes from heat-related illnesses. The collaboration with KSI also emphasizes awareness through shared social media efforts, showcasing the mission, spotlighting deserving schools, and highlighting the equipment needed to combat these health risks.

Jerome Reid of PFATS expressed, "The goal is to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of this program. We continue to provide mentorship, education, and resources to under-resourced schools. The efforts made by PFATS members are instrumental in enhancing the knowledge of athletic trainers and coaches, empowering them to maintain the health of their athletes more effectively."

John Cayer, President of Mueller Sports Medicine, commented on the importance of the program: "We are honored to educate high schools about the risks of exertional heat stroke and how proper equipment can significantly lower this medical emergency's incidence rate. The positive influence of athletic trainers on the lives of young athletes is profound, and it's gratifying to contribute to their quality of life."

About Mueller Sports Medicine

Founded over 65 years ago by Curt Mueller, a former basketball player turned pharmacist, Mueller Sports Medicine has carved a niche in developing innovative products aimed at protecting athletes and enhancing their performance. Being family-owned, the company remains dedicated to creating cutting-edge solutions, with an expanded portfolio addressing overall health and wellness for all demographics.

Some of Mueller's groundbreaking offerings include the knee braces featuring the patented Triaxial Hinge, fabric technology for moisture management, and eco-friendly products like the Mueller Green line. The innovations from Mueller are now accessible in more than 100 countries worldwide, highlighting the global impact of their products.

About the Korey Stringer Institute

The Korey Stringer Institute, established at the University of Connecticut, is committed to research, education, and advocacy focused on athlete health and safety. Founded in memory of Korey Stringer, a professional football player who tragically died from exertional heat stroke, KSI aims to prevent such incidents and improve performance and safety for athletes across disciplines. Their InnovATe program underscores a commitment to providing better access to athletic training and resources for underserved communities, ultimately enhancing athlete safety.

About PFATS Foundation

The PFATS Foundation is dedicated to advancing the athletic training profession through educational resources and research. Promoting programs that support athletic training, the foundation has distributed over $500,000 in endowment funding for research and educational initiatives. In collaboration with the NFL Foundation, they also provide scholarships aimed at supporting minority and female students entering the field of athletic training.

Conclusion

Mueller Sports Medicine's ongoing partnership with the PFATS Foundation illustrates an unwavering commitment to improving the health and safety of young athletes. As they move into the next phase of their collaboration, the goal remains to educate, inform, and ultimately protect the next generation of athletes from the risks of exertional heat illness.