Dear ATOM Members,

I hope this communication finds you in good health during this unprecedented time in our country.  We are certainly in uncharted territory and fully understand the ramifications of this pandemic as it may relate to athletic training employment here in the Commonwealth. Below is an update from the executive board with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.

First and foremost, please know that the executive board and our lobbying firm, Tremont Strategies Group, have been in contact daily regarding the everchanging state of the Commonwealth as directed by Governor Baker.  A letter has been sent to the Office of the Governor and to the Department of Public Health, outlining the value athletic trainers can have in relieving some of the stress on the healthcare system. A request has been made to temporarily waive the rules and regulations regarding the patient population in which athletic trainers in the Commonwealth can treat.  As evident at the Boston Marathon in 2013, we are resilient group with the skills, knowledge and abilities to triage, assess, and care for all patients if allowed to practice to the full extent of our education and scope.  For more information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts click HERE.

The NATA has provided valuable resources for each state which can be found HERE. The NATA and Go4Ellis, a mobile per-diem job platform, have joined forces to connect thousands of athletic trainers with understaffed hospitals and health care systems throughout the United States.  If your employment has been affected by COVID-19 please utilize these resources.   

Through our contact with Tremont Strategies, we have been informed that there have been changes to the unemployment insurance for anyone who has been furloughed or laid off.   Please utilize this link to access the State Unemployment Insurance Benefits.  While we are unable to offer legal advice, please feel free to reach out if we can guide/assist you in anyway.

Additionally, ATs Care wants to ensure that as we are taking care of our families and patients, we continue to take care of ourselves. Resources for the COVID-19 response, including resources for self-care and mental health wellness can be found on NATA’s COVID-19 resource page. ATs Care is always available to be a supportive network as you need. To reach the ATs Care team quickly, please email ATsCare@nata.org.

The planning of the ATOM Spring Conference has been halted due to the inability to maintain a physical space as a result of COVID-19.  The executive board will be discussing the possibility of a Fall Conference or some form of online CEU experience.  As always please stay up to date with ATOM events by visiting our WEBSITE.

Be Well,

Brett