Haralson Joins Crittenden Regional Hospital As A Certified Athletic Trainer

September 15, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nathan Haralson has joined Crittenden Regional Hospital's Rehabilitation Department as a certified athletic trainer covering Marion High School, West Memphis High School, and West Memphis Christian School sporting events and practices.

"Crittenden Regional Hospital is excited to again offer our community athletes this unique healthcare provider," said Pat Ruddick, director of Crittenden Regional's Rehabilitation Services. "After assessing our athletic training program which was offered to our community schools for the first time last season, we found that it just made good sense from a community service standpoint to again provide a trainer to the local schools to assist them in attaining their athletic goals. Last year many students were kept off the injury list or returned to the activity much faster and in better condition than they may have without the services of an athletic trainer."

According to Ruddick, only 42 percent of schools nationally have access to athletic trainers, and by providing this service demonstrates Crittenden Regional's commitment to the young people of our community and the desire to ensure their safety and well being."

A certified athletic trainer is a health care professional who specializes in preventing, recognizing, managing and rehabilitating injuries that result from physical activity. As part of a complete healthcare team, the certified athletic trainer works under the direction of a physician and in cooperation with other healthcare professionals, athletics administrators, coaches and parents. To become a certified athletic trainer, a student must earn a degree from an accredited athletic training curriculum and pass a comprehensive test.

Haralson is a 2008 graduate of the University of Central Arkansas in Conway with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training. He also did two internships while a student--one with Arkansas Sports Performance in Little Rock and another with Conway Regional Sports Medicine in Conway.

Haralson holds memberships in the Central Arkansas Athletic Training Student Association, Arkansas Athletic Trainers' Association, National Athletic Trainers' Association, and National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Haralson, a native of Atkins, Arkansas and a graduate of Atkins High School, is the son of Jeff and Bobbi Haralson and Lisa Johnson and Jeff Stinson of Atkins. He is married to the former Samantha Blaylock of West Memphis.