Wednesday, September 14, 2022

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Great Northwest Athletic Conference has entered into a partnership with the U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health (USCAH), an arrangement that will provide conference members access to health and safety consultation, education, and compliance resources to support and optimize student-athlete healthcare during the 2022-23 academic year.

“Given USCAH’s vast experience in health and safety, this alliance will help guide the conference and its members in policies, protocols and procedures in the critical area of student-athlete wellness,” said GNAC commissioner Dave Haglund. “This partnership aligns with the GNAC’s strategic plan and its efforts to foster and promote a conference-wide culture that supports the health, wellness and academic well-being of student-athletes.”

The U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health provides independent, third-party athlete health and safety consultation, education and compliance from a team of experts with nearly 300 years of experience in athletics healthcare and administration. USCAH staff is comprised of sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers, university and high school athletic administrators, and former student-athletes with professional experience from leading institutions and organizations across the country. Founded in 2017, USCAH is committed to the health, safety and welfare of athletes at all levels and is dedicated to the mission of collaborating with every athletic organization to inspire and ensure athlete health and safety is a priority.

USCAH-led education programs available to GNAC member institutions include the Comprehensive Mental Health Program, Preventing and Preparing for Catastrophic Injury in Sport, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Sports, among other offerings.

The partnership also includes access to the membership platform, Athletics Healthcare Administrator Association (AHAA). The service is specifically designed to provide athletic healthcare administrators the ability to connect with a virtual community that offers peer and expert insights and discussions, real-time industry news and updates, webinars, as well as additional content focused on best practices in healthcare.

“USCAH is excited to collaborate with the GNAC to enhance athletic healthcare and safety programming for the conference and its member institutions,” said James R. Borchers, M.D. M.P.H., co-founder and president at USCAH. “It is clear that the landscape of college athletics is placing the focus on athletic healthcare and safety as a priority for all stakeholders, including student-athletes, coaches, administrators, medical staff and parents. We look forward to working with the GNAC and its member institutions.”

About USCAH
The U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health (USCAH) was founded upon the apparent need within athletic institutions for trusted independent partners with the experience and expertise to advise and consult with organizations regarding their healthcare delivery system. USCAH is committed to providing independent and unbiased medical expertise to organizations and individuals dedicated to the optimal health and safety of the athletes they serve. For more information, visit www.uscah.com.

About the GNAC
One of the leading conferences in NCAA Division II, the Great Northwest Athletic Conference is home to 10 full-member institutions located in five states and Canada. Headquartered outside of Portland, Ore., the GNAC sponsors championships in 16 sports (nine women’s, seven men’s).