A lifeline for young athletes

Whether young athletes are in practice, crouched at the 50-yard line, or on the backs of bucking broncos, the medical support they need is waiting at the sidelines. Since 1988, the Portneuf Medical Center Sports Medicine Institute has provided education and support to youth athletes in Southeastern Idaho and Western Wyoming at no cost to them or their families. “Youth sports are a big part of our community and culture,” says Caroline “Smitty” Faure, EdD, ATC, athletic trainer and Co-founder of Portneuf's Sports Medicine Institute. “Our goal is to reduce the risk of injuries and make sure comprehensive medical care is available to all children who play.” Each year, approximately 20,000 amateur athletes benefit from PMC’s Sports Medicine Institute programs. Athletic trainers and sport-certified physical therapists with PMC are on-site five days a week at Century High School, Highland High School, Marsh Valley High School, and Pocatello High School. At rodeos, track meets, football games, and other community sporting events, medical volunteers man a 32-foot mobile sports medicine trailer. They can screen for concussions, treat injuries, streamline emergency care, and connect patients to PMC for additional medical support as needed.

From Health Wise — Fall 2015 Download the full publication.