Research Mentor Name

Rahul Vaidya

Research Mentor Email Address

rahvaidya2012@gmail.com

Institution / Department

Wayne State University School of Medicine

Document Type

Research Abstract

Research Type

publichealth

Graduate Level Research

no

Abstract

Background:

The Detroit Public Schools Health Corps (DPSHC) provides free sideline medical coverage to Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) athletic events to address healthcare disparities in underserved communities. During 408 hours of coverage across 214 games, DPSHC volunteers observed frequent shortages of water and electrolyte drinks among teams. Given the importance of hydration in preventing heat-related illness and optimizing athletic performance, a systematic needs assessment was conducted.

Methods:

A survey was distributed to athletic coaches and administrators across DPSCD schools. Survey questions evaluated the availability of hydration resources, frequency of shortages, responsible providers, and priority needs for additional funding or equipment.

Results:

Among 50 respondents, 76% reported inconsistent or inadequate hydration access, with 80% relying on coaches or students to provide water. 40% of teams reported frequent shortages during practices or games. Coaches identified their top funding priorities as bulk sports drink supplies (82%), large coolers (62%), and reusable bottles (52%). Additional needs included cleaning supplies and ice machines.

Conclusion:

Hydration inequities among DPSCD athletic programs place student-athletes at increased risk for dehydration, heat illness, and reduced performance. In response, DPSHC launched a hydration equity initiative, ordering several large water jugs and reusable bottles to distribute across schools. These efforts aim to close resource gaps and promote safer, more equitable participation in school athletics.

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Public Health Education and Promotion

Comments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the Detroit Public Schools Health Corps (DPSHC) volunteers, community leaders, and medical mentors whose dedication made this initiative possible. We extend our sincere appreciation to James Alexander and Anika McEvans, community leaders within the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), for their partnership and advocacy in advancing student-athlete wellness.

We also thank Tannor Court, MD; Fong Nham, MD; Ahmad Daher, DO; Andrew Gupta, MD; Joshua Gatz, MD; and Radomir Dimovski, MD from the Detroit Medical Center for their clinical mentorship and oversight throughout the project.

Finally, we recognize our fellow DPSHC volunteers — Sara Naessig, Ashley Frei, Alex Jurayj, Samy Shelbaya, Candice Miller, Sam Carranza, Omar Abdalla, Rhea Rakheja, Haytham Alqasmi, Kiana Sechler, Jay Maixner, Julia Malewicz, Justin Hassen, Ikenna Oduocha, Jack Gurwin, Katherine Haan, Ashlee Perry, Ralph Durgham, Jake McGue, Akshitha Balagani, Abby Bojanowski, Amy Herrera, Gabriel Doree, Tochi Mbagwu, Alexander Eskandarian, Madison Jordan, Armaan Naghdi, and Ethan Montoya — for their continued commitment to providing equitable care and hydration resources for Detroit’s student-athletes.

Their collective efforts embody the mission of DPSHC: to advance health equity, safety, and opportunity through community-based sports medicine.

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