With March being National Athletic Training Month, Essentia Health is offering Brainerd student-athletes sports medicine services.

The district and Essentia Health agreed upon a five-year contract that will allow trainers to collaborate with school faculty including sports directors, coaches, and officials. The health service notes their longstanding history with Brainerd Public Schools, in turn continuing to offer the chance for students to receive this service and ensure a safe environment for student-athletes.

John Haugrud, Essentia’s sports medicine director said about the new contract, “We want to keep them participating in the activities they love. It’s a privilege for us to serve our community in this way.”

The contract also includes a $50,000 donation from Essentia Health toward new exercise equipment for the entire school population as another way to expanding the healthy option for Brainerd’s students.

By — Mary Balstad