The Washington Football Team selects Eastern Senior High School for the 2021 High School Initiative donation from Medco Sports Medicine.
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 23, 2021 – D.C.’s Eastern Senior High School has been chosen as a recipient of the 2021 High School Initiative, an athletic training donation program sponsored by a partnership between Medco Sports Medicine (Medco), the leading supplier of athletic training and sports medicine products; Cramer Sports Medicine (Cramer), a leading manufacturer of sports medicine products; and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS), representing the athletic trainers of the National Football League (NFL).
The initiative seeks to ensure that high school athletic trainers receive essential supplies and equipment necessary to provide athletic health care to student athletes.
“As the leading manufacturer and distributor in sports medicine, Medco is dedicated to giving back to local NFL communities in partnership with PFATS,” said Mike Finke, Medco General Manager. “Through the High School Initiative, we can help schools get the tools they need to keep our country’s young athletes healthy.”
Eastern Senior High School is one of four high schools across the country to receive the donation of $2,000 in athletic training supplies and equipment, chosen as the recipient high school of the Washington Football Team NFL community. High schools in the communities of the Cincinnati Bengals, the Miami Dolphins, and the Detroit Lions will also receive the donation.
“As professional football athletic trainers, we’re trying to get the word out on how important it is to have an athletic trainer at your school and covering your events. My father went to school here, so for me, coming back to D.C., it was a no brainer to support this school,” stated Ryan Vermillion, Head Athletic Trainer for the Washington Football Team. Vermillion is now in his second season as Washington's head athletic trainer, after previously serving as head athletic trainer for the Carolina Panthers.
Medco, PFATS, and members of the Washington Football Team athletic training staff presented the donation to Dawn Bracley, Athletic Trainer at Eastern Senior High School, alongside Sah Brown, Principal; Ronald Nelson, Athletic Director; Khalid Shakur, Physical Therapy and Strength & Conditioning Teacher; and Michael Bryant, Deputy Director of Athletics. The donation includes athletic tape, resistance bands, splinting and first aid supplies, and other athletic training supplies and equipment.
“Eastern Senior High School is extremely grateful to receive this donation! We are striving to allow every student and every athlete the opportunity to work with an athletic trainer, regardless of age and level, to ensure they stay healthy,” Bracley explained. “Coming out of the pandemic, we need these supplies more than ever.”
Medco believes it is important that all athletes, regardless of skill level, have access to an athletic trainer and training supplies to support health, safety, and athletic performance. The community outreach initiative creates a key opportunity to positively impact hundreds of student athletes and increase awareness of youth sports safety.
Meredith Thomas, Medco East Region Sales Manager explained, “As the official Education Partner of PFATS, Medco is excited to provide products for Eastern Senior High School that will make treating athletes easier this year. Every athlete should have access to an athletic trainer and every athletic trainer should have the supplies to provide first-class health care to their athletes."
The event took place on July 23, 2021 at 11 am. at Eastern Senior High School, located at 1700 East Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20002.
About Medco Sports Medicine
Medco Sports Medicine is the industry leading provider of supplies and equipment to athletic trainers and sports medicine professionals across the country, offering the most comprehensive range of products and services available to help prevent injury and optimize recovery. For over 60 years, Medco has been built on providing an outstanding level of dedication and service to customers. For more information visit www.medco-athletics.com.
About Cramer Sports Medicine
For over 100 years, Cramer has used the most advanced materials and science available to create products designed by athletic trainers for athletic trainers. From days of educating the first athletic trainers to proudly founding the National Athletic Trainer’s Association, Cramer carries on the innovative ideals of our founders through a full line of products to support athletic trainers. Cramer is committed to providing leadership and promoting the profession in today’s modern world and the world of tomorrow. For more information visit www.cramersportsmed.com.
About PFATS
The Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS) represents the athletic trainers of the National Football League. PFATS serves the players of the NFL, the member Clubs, and other members of the community. PFATS’ purpose is to ensure the highest quality of health care is provided to the National Football League. PFATS is dedicated to the welfare of our members and committed to the promotion and advancement of athletic training through education and research. The Society is founded on the professional integrity and the ethical standards of our members and the fellowship that exists among members. More information is available at www.pfats.com.
Contact
Kaitlin Tobak
Performance Health, Medco Sports Medicine, & Cramer Sports Medicine
Kaitlin.Tobak@PerformanceHealth.com
