In a passionate plea for student safety, advocates at the Howard County Board of Education meeting on January 30, 2025, highlighted the urgent need for full-time athletic trainers in all high schools. Currently, only seven out of the county's thirteen high schools have dedicated trainers, leaving many athletes without critical medical support during practices and games.

A student athlete, who spoke at the meeting, shared personal experiences that underscored the importance of having consistent access to athletic trainers. He noted that injuries not only affect individual players but also impact team morale and performance. With the presence of a trainer, injury rates have significantly decreased, demonstrating the vital role these professionals play in ensuring athlete safety.

The financial implications of hiring full-time trainers were also discussed. Advocates pointed out that the cost of implementing this change would be approximately $1.1 million annually, a figure that pales in comparison to the $1.4 billion budget of the Howard County Public School System. They argued that investing in athletic trainers would not only enhance student safety but also reduce long-term healthcare costs by addressing injuries early.

Another student, Gracie Darnett, emphasized the mental health benefits of having athletic trainers on-site. She shared her own struggles with a cardiac condition and how her trainer's consistent presence has been crucial for her participation in sports. Darnett highlighted a concerning statistic from the National Institutes of Health, which found that a significant percentage of athletic trainers observe psychological effects in athletes due to injuries, further stressing the need for dedicated support.

The meeting also revealed that neighboring counties like Montgomery and Prince George's have already adopted full-time athletic trainer models, setting a precedent that Howard County could follow. Advocates urged the board to prioritize student well-being and safety, arguing that the absence of full-time trainers not only contradicts the board's stated commitment to student health but also puts athletes at unnecessary risk.

As the meeting progressed, the call for action resonated strongly among attendees, leaving a lingering question: Will Howard County take the necessary steps to ensure that every student athlete has access to the professional care they deserve? The future of student safety in athletics hangs in the balance, awaiting a decisive response from the board.