Annapolis, MD — January 13, 2025
Last week, the Maryland Athletic Trainers’ Association (MATA) brought together over 20 athletic trainers from across the state for its annual State Advocacy Day in Annapolis. The event provided a platform for athletic trainers to meet with state legislators and discuss critical issues surrounding sports safety and healthcare access.
Led by MATA Government Affairs Director Jane Miraglia and State Association President Rachel Moore, the day began with a morning reception for lawmakers, offering an opportunity for athletic trainers to engage in meaningful discussions about their profession’s impact on public health.
MATA was recognized on both the Maryland House and Senate floors for its efforts in passing last session's dry needling bill, which expanded treatment options for athletes and other patients. Following the recognition, athletic trainers met individually with lawmakers, advocating for expanded access to athletic training services and highlighting the essential role athletic trainers play in keeping communities safe and healthy.
Collin Francis, Executive Director of the Baltimore Area Sports Health Initiative (BASH), represented the athletic training community in meetings with state senators from Prince George’s County and Baltimore City.
“Advocating for sports health on a local level is critical to ensuring that athletes of all ages and abilities have access to the care and support they need,” Francis said. “State advocacy days like this not only raise awareness but also build essential relationships with policymakers who can champion legislation to make sports safer for everyone.”
“Athletic Training Advocacy Day served as a powerful reminder of the collective strength we possess when united for a common purpose,” said Rachel Moore, President of the Maryland Athletic Trainers’ Association. “The broad support from both new and familiar faces underscores the far-reaching impact our profession has on the diverse communities we serve—extending from local neighborhoods to every corner of the state. Athletic trainers touch the lives of countless individuals, including law enforcement, fire services, and military personnel who selflessly serve on the front lines.
"As we look to the future, our advocacy is not just about advancing our profession, but also about supporting the individuals and communities who rely on our expertise across all sectors and regions of Maryland. The relationships we foster and the efforts we invest will continue to drive meaningful, lasting change. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all those who participated and to the Baltimore Area Sports Health Initiative (BASH) for their unwavering commitment to this cause.”
For more information about MATA and its advocacy efforts, visit www.marylandathletictrainers.org.
For more information on the Baltimore Area Sports Health Initiative and its impactful programs, visit www.baltimoreathletehealth.org.
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