Forsyth County, N.C. -- All twelve high schools in Forsyth County now have full-time certified athletic trainers.
Forsyth Medical Center and Wake Forest Baptist Health created the program and are paying the $750,000 to one-million dollar bill to make it happen.
It's all because doctors in the area spoke up. They said too many athletes were getting hurt and needed better, more immediate and preventative care, especially in the summer heat.
As the West Forsyth High School football team gets in shape, Kelly Kirkpatrick tackles players' health.
"We've had a little bit of everything so far," she said.
Kirkpatrick is the school's new certified athletic trainer. Football player Jermaine Lewis wishes she started last season.
He still has scars from his injury last season. "Nobody knew what was wrong. I was walking funny. But, nobody knew I tore my ACL," Lewis said.
It took a month before anyone realized he tore a ligament.
"Having her around, I probably would have known sooner," he said.
Junior Denis Ikic said, "She has a good relationship with everybody."
Doctors proposed and helped create the program after treating current athletes and adults who used to be athletes.
"We're seeing the cumulative effect of all those years of playing through the pain and pushing through," Steve Garner of Forsyth Medical said.
The skill and dedication playing sports requires remains the same, but programs like this could change the culture.
"I think they enjoying having it..having someone else to go to other than a coach who is going to say, 'Get up and walk it off,'" Kirkpatrick said.
The certified trainers will work with all sports and athletic programs at the high school.
The hospitals will cover the cost of medical supplies for athletics, which will save each school about $3,000 a year.
In Guilford County, all the high schools have a certified athletic trainer. They are paid by the school district, not local hospitals.
Davidson County has two certified athletic trainers for its six high schools. Those trainers also teach at the schools.
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