HOUSE MEMORIAL 119

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Keith J. Gardner

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING MARCH "CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINERS MONTH" IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, the profession of athletic training is practiced by athletic trainers, all of whom are certified health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize the activity and participation of patients and clients; and

     WHEREAS, athletic training encompasses prevention, diagnosis and intervention for emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions that involve impairment, functional limitations and disabilities; and

     WHEREAS, students who want to become certified athletic trainers must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training program; and

     WHEREAS, accredited programs include formal instruction in areas such as injury and illness prevention, first aid and emergency care, assessment of injuries and illnesses, human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities and nutrition; and

     WHEREAS, to become a certified athletic trainer, a student must graduate with a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited professional athletic training education program and must pass a comprehensive test administered by the board of certification; and

     WHEREAS, more than seventy percent of certified athletic trainers hold at least a master's degree; and

     WHEREAS, once certified, athletic trainers must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to keep their certification up to date and active; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has more than one hundred thirty certified athletic trainers throughout the state, with many employed in universities, junior colleges and high schools; and

     WHEREAS, many of New Mexico's certified athletic trainers have gone on to work for professional athletic teams; and

     WHEREAS, certified athletic trainers work with more than athletes and they can be found wherever people are physically active; and

     WHEREAS, certified athletic trainers play an important role in many of our communities;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that March be declared "Certified Athletic Trainers Month" in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that congratulations and gratitude be extended to all certified athletic trainers from around the state for the care that they provide to their communities and for fulfilling the "health care for life and sport" motto each day; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the appropriate parties.

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