[LAP-news] Play Safe

Fri May 30 16:22:18 EDT 2025

PlaySafe USA Announces Expansion of Life-Saving Youth Sports Safety
Programs in Underserved Communities
By: Press Release Distribution Service
<https://markets.financialcontent.com/wral/news/provider/marketersmedia>
May 19, 2025 at 23:00 PM EDT

*PlaySafe USA, led by CEO Brandy Singleton, is scaling its innovative youth
sports safety model, ensuring greater access to athletic trainers and
prevention education in underserved communities.*

United States, May 20, 2025 -- *Bridging Critical Healthcare Gaps in Youth
Sports*

In a groundbreaking effort to improve student-athlete safety, PlaySafe USA,
a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthcare access for youth
in underserved communities, has announced an ambitious expansion of its
services across multiple states. The initiative, spearheaded by President
and CEO Brandy Singleton, seeks to address the glaring shortage of athletic
trainers and critical healthcare resources in schools, especially those in
rural and low-income areas.

For years, schools across the country have faced a significant challenge in
providing student-athletes with adequate medical care during sporting
activities. According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association,
nearly half of U.S. schools do not have a full-time athletic trainer. This
shortage leaves many young athletes vulnerable to serious injury, mental
health struggles, and opioid misuse. With PlaySafe USA’s innovative model,
the organization is ensuring that every student, regardless of their
community’s resources, has access to a licensed athletic trainer, mental
health programs, and opioid misuse prevention education.

“The youth sports safety crisis in underserved communities is one that can
no longer be ignored,” said Brandy Singleton, PlaySafe USA’s CEO. “PlaySafe
USA is proud to stand at the forefront of this movement, advocating for
systemic changes that ensure equitable access to healthcare for all
student-athletes.”

*PlaySafe USA’s Scalable Model: From Grassroots to Statewide Policy Change*

What began as a local initiative has grown into a scalable model of success
that is now being discussed across the country. In its early years,
PlaySafe USA focused on addressing the immediate needs of schools by
embedding licensed athletic trainers within the community. However, as the
organization’s impact began to expand, Singleton and her team realized the
importance of pushing for policy change.

One of the organization’s key initiatives has been the South Carolina
Project PlaySafe, which has provided legislative advocacy for sports
medicine services in schools and safety certification for youth coaches.

"Expanding from a grassroots effort to one that will be integrated into
public policy is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication,"
added Singleton. "It’s not just about providing a service—it’s about
creating a sustainable, scalable infrastructure that addresses the root
causes of healthcare disparities in youth sports."

The success of PlaySafe USA’s statewide model has already inspired similar
initiatives in other regions, providing a blueprint for how organizations
can bring about lasting systemic change.

*A Leader in Nonprofit Innovation: Empowering Women in Leadership*

At the helm of PlaySafe USA is Brandy Singleton, a visionary nonprofit
leader whose commitment to empowering communities is matched by her
dedication to advancing women in leadership. As a female CEO in a field
traditionally dominated by men—sports, healthcare, and public
health—Singleton has become an influential advocate for women's leadership
in nonprofit spaces.

Beyond her work with PlaySafe USA, Singleton has also established a
consulting practice aimed at empowering women leaders, particularly
international women navigating leadership roles in the United States. This
dual commitment to improving both youth safety and women’s leadership
underscores Singleton’s broader vision of equity, not just in healthcare
but in leadership roles across sectors.

Singleton’s work has earned her recognition, including the Women of
Influence Award, Empowering Women Award in 2024 and designation as a South
Carolina Angel Charity by the Secretary of State. She has also been named a
fellow of the Appalachian Leadership Institute and an alumna of the
American Express Global Leadership Academy.

"Leadership, to me, is about breaking down barriers and creating
opportunities for others to thrive," said Singleton. "Through both PlaySafe
USA and my consulting work, I am deeply committed to ensuring that the next
generation of leaders is equipped to excel in a diverse and evolving world."

*Prevention First: A Public Health Approach to Youth Wellness*

One of the key tenets of PlaySafe USA’s work is its focus on prevention—an
approach that sets it apart from traditional healthcare models. By
integrating injury prevention, mental health support, and opioid misuse
education into its core programming, PlaySafe USA offers a holistic model
that proactively addresses the needs of student-athletes.

In addition to providing athletic training services, the organization has
become a leader in adolescent mental health advocacy, especially in the
context of sports. With the rise of mental health challenges among young
people, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, PlaySafe USA is
focused on creating safe, supportive environments for students to thrive
both physically and mentally.

“Prevention isn’t just about treating injuries—it’s about creating systems
where young people feel supported in every aspect of their health,”
Singleton explained. "By addressing mental health, injury prevention, and
substance misuse, we are taking a proactive approach that will reduce
long-term healthcare burdens and improve outcomes for youth nationwide."

*Recognition and Credibility: A Proven Record of Impact*

As PlaySafe USA continues to expand its reach, it has garnered accolades
and recognition for its innovative work. The Empowering Women Award and
designation as a South Carolina Angel Charity have highlighted the
organization’s commitment to both community health and social justice.
Moreover, Singleton’s leadership has been acknowledged through various
fellowships and leadership programs, affirming her position as a national
leader in nonprofit work.

"These recognitions are a reflection of the hard work and impact of our
team, and they validate our model as one that truly works," Singleton said.
"Our focus on scalable, evidence-based programs ensures that we’re not just
offering a temporary solution, but a sustainable framework for positive
change."

*Moving Forward: Expanding PlaySafe USA’s Impact*

Looking ahead, PlaySafe USA is committed to continuing its mission of
closing the healthcare gaps in youth sports safety. With a growing network
of licensed athletic trainers and wellness programs in schools, the
organization is now focused on expanding its footprint to new states and
communities. Additionally, PlaySafe USA plans to continue its advocacy
work, pushing for policies that support equitable healthcare access for all
students.

For more information on PlaySafe USA and to get involved, visit their
website at www.playsafeusa.org <http://www.playsafeusa.org/>.

*About PlaySafe USA:*

PlaySafe USA is a nonprofit organization committed to improving youth
sports safety by providing licensed athletic trainers, mental health
resources, and opioid misuse prevention programs in underserved
communities. PlaySafe USA has become a leader in bridging healthcare gaps
and advocating for systemic change in the sports medicine field. With a
focus on education, prevention, and community-centered care, PlaySafe USA
is shaping the future of youth wellness and sports safety across the
country.

*Media Contact:*

Brandy Singleton
President & CEO
PlaySafe USA
Email: brandy at playsafeusa.org
LinkedIn: PlaySafe USA LinkedIn
<https://www.linkedin.com/company/playsafe-usa/>Twitter: @PlaySafeUSA
<https://twitter.com/playsafeusa>

Contact Info:
Name: Brandy Singleton
Email: Send Email <https://send.releasecontact.com/89160409>
Organization: PlaySafe USA
Website: https://playsafeusa.org/

Release ID: 89160409

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