LUMBERTON — UNC Health Southeastern is again partnering with the Public Schools of Robeson County to offer athletic physicals on May 8, 2026.
“We are grateful for partners like UNC Health Southeastern who are committed to supporting student success by providing services to ensure they are healthy on and off the field,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson.
“When students are healthy, it helps them show up ready to learn and give their best every day—on the field and in the classroom,” Dr. Williamson added.
This past year, more than 1,200 sports physicals were conducted by UNC Health Southeastern during the athletic physical day.
“UNC Health Southeastern is proud to partner with the Public Schools of Robeson County to support the health and well-being of our student-athletes,” said Chris Ellington, UNC Health Southeastern President and CEO. “By providing athletic physicals, we are helping ensure that students can safely participate in sports while building healthy habits that will benefit them for years to come.”
Sports physicals are available for current students in grades 6–12, and rising 6th graders. Vital sign assessments, height and weight measurements, and physical health screenings will be provided during the event.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in 2024 that more than 40% of school-aged children and adolescents in the U.S. have at least one chronic health condition, which drives home the importance of early detection.
Among chronic health conditions reported by the CDC were “asthma, obesity, other physical conditions, and behavior/learning problems,” according to the CDC.
“Student-athletes work hard to represent their schools and communities, and their health and safety should always come first,” said UNC Health Southeastern Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon James Slauterbeck, M.D. “Our team is honored to provide these physicals and help young athletes prepare for a successful and safe sports season.”
This is the second year that the hospital and school district have teamed up to provide this one-day sports physical day opportunity for student athletes. The partnership highlights the power of collaboration and shows what’s possible when community partners unite around a shared goal: student success.
“Serving our community is at the heart of what we do at UNC Health Southeastern,” said Henry Edwards, director of UNC Health Southeastern Rehabilitation Services. “Partnering with the Public Schools of Robeson County allows us to make a meaningful impact by helping students stay healthy, active and ready to succeed both on and off the field.”