Okaloosa County School Board Approves New Sports Medicine Partnership to Enhance Student-Athlete Care
Okaloosa County School Board Approves New Sports Medicine Partnership to Enhance Student-Athlete Care
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (July 10, 2026) — Student-athletes across Okaloosa County Public Schools will receive enhanced sports medicine and athletic training services beginning this school year through a new partnership between Orthopaedic Associates, Axis Physiotherapy Institute and the Okaloosa County School Board.
Under a newly approved Athletic Trainer Services Agreement, Orthopaedic Associates will serve as the district's Sports Medicine Director and medical provider, overseeing sports medicine services and physician consultation for student-athletes, while Axis Physiotherapy Institute will serve as the exclusive provider of licensed athletic trainers for the district's athletic programs.
The partnership reflects the School Board's commitment to protecting the health and safety of student-athletes by providing comprehensive injury prevention, on-site medical care, concussion management and return-to-play oversight across the district.
"Our shared goal is to ensure every student-athlete has access to high-quality sports medicine care that promotes safety, supports recovery and helps students return to competition when medically appropriate," said Darren Harris, Executive Director, Orthopaedic Associates.
Licensed and certified athletic trainers from Axis Physiotherapy Institute will be assigned to each of the district's five high schools:
- Baker High School
- Choctawhatchee High School
- Crestview High School
- Fort Walton Beach High School
- Niceville High School
Athletic trainers will provide coverage each week, for a variety of varsity team practice and game events sanctioned by Florida High School Athletic Association. Coverage also includes all Okaloosa County Middle School Athletic Conference football games.
"Our athletic trainers are committed to supporting the health and well-being of student-athletes across our community. We're proud to support our local schools by providing the care students need to recover safely and keep doing what they love," said Jordan Brewer, Co-Owner, Axis Physiotherapy Institute.
Orthopaedic Associates physicians will provide medical oversight for the athletic training program and serve as team physicians for the district. Responsibilities include sports medicine consultation, concussion management, return-to-play protocols, emergency planning, oversight of athletic training services and providing medical supplies for each high school athletic training program.
The expanded program includes:
- On-site injury evaluation and first aid
- Injury prevention and rehabilitation support
- Concussion assessment and return-to-play management using Florida High School Athletic Association protocols
- Communication with parents, coaches and school administrators regarding injuries and treatment plans
- Emergency preparedness planning for athletic events
The agreement also provides continuity of care through physician consultation and coordinated treatment plans between Axis Physiotherapy Institute’s athletic trainers and Orthopaedic Associates sports medicine physicians.
The partnership was established to strengthen the district's sports medicine program and ensure student-athletes receive timely, professional medical care throughout the school year.
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About Orthopaedic Associates
Orthopaedic Associates is a leading provider of orthopaedic and sports medicine care serving Northwest Florida with three clinic locations in Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Crestview. The practice provides specialized care for bone, joint, muscle, tendon, ligament and spine injuries and conditions for patients of all ages. Its team of fellowship-trained physicians and medical professionals offers a full continuum of care through on-site services, including MRI, physical therapy, orthopaedic urgent care, surgery centers, orthobiologics, osteoporosis care, casting, durable medical equipment, ultrasound and digital X-ray imaging.
About Axis Physiotherapy Institute
Axis Physiotherapy Institute is a leading provider of physical therapy, rehabilitation and athletic training services throughout Northwest Florida with locations in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Freeport. Its staff includes Doctors of Physical Therapy with extensive post graduate certifications to allow for best practice treatments. Its licensed and certified athletic trainers work alongside physicians, schools and athletic programs to promote injury prevention, immediate care and safe return to athletic participation
Media Contact: Orthopaedic Associates Contact:
Mary Jo Gustave | Marketing Darren Harris, Executive Director
Phone: (850) 315-9299 Office: (850) 315-9210
Cell: (850) 797-9020 Cell: (615) 764-9009
Email: mgustave@orthoassociates.net Email: dharris@orthoassociates.net
