Prevention Alliance, Three Rivers, North Big Horn collaborate on student-athlete support program

New Student Athlete Support Program Launches Through Collaboration Between Three Rivers Health, North Big Horn Hospital, and BHC Prevention Alliance

Three Rivers Health, North Big Horn Hospital, and the BHC Prevention Alliance have launched a new Student Athlete Support Program designed to show local youth that their community is behind them—on and off the field and court. 

The initiative provides student athletes with high-quality duffle bags filled with positive-choice resources, educational materials, and community support tools, offered after completing a short, reflective video series focused on healthy decision-making.

This collaborative project represents a shared investment in students’ wellbeing long before they enter a hospital or clinic. It reflects a county wide commitment to prevention, community connection, and engaging young people where they are.

“This project gave us a chance to partner with schools and teams to bring the education to them,” said Linda Osmond, emergency management coordinator at Three Rivers Health. “We want our kids to know that there are a lot of resources and people behind them, and this is an example of that.”

North Big Horn Hospital emphasized the importance of reaching students early and in meaningful ways. 

“We enjoy doing these projects that proactively go to the community, especially to kids,” said Shelley Murphy, ER trauma coordinator at North Big Horn Hospital. “Fun and creative ways to reach and engage is a high priority for us. Being able to provide an awesome bag was a nice touch to help the kids have a waterproof option this time of year.”

The program was designed to be easy for schools to implement and 100% voluntary for students. After completing the short video series and reflection questions, students receive their duffle bags from coaches or administrators. This structure reinforces the connection between healthy decisions, personal responsibility, and the activities students love most.

Travis Sylvester, Big Horn County Prevention Specialist with the BHC Prevention Alliance, highlighted the strength and value of community partnerships in bringing the program to life.
“When we started on this project, we knew it would take a community effort to bring it to life. We’re lucky to have a great coalition of members and agencies to help bring these special projects forward. Going to the kids, supporting them in the things they love to do, and connecting their decisions to meaningful outcomes is a win-win for everyone.”

The Student Athlete Support Program reflects the shared belief that prevention works best when communities work together, and when young people feel seen, supported, and valued.

For more information on program implementation, visit BHCPrevention.com/athletesupport or contact travis@bhcprevention.com