Joyce Beatty Wants Concussions Studied

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3.5 million concussions occur each year. Even more startling is the fact that 1 in 5 high school athletes will sustain a sports concussion, and these injuries have far-reaching implications and increase the risk of sustaining another concussion. These are some of the reasons why Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH) introduced the Concussion Awareness and Education Act. There is no comprehensive system for acquiring data on the incidence of sports- and recreation-related concussions across all age groups in sports, nor is there any published data on the incidence of reported concussions during basic training for military recruits. Beatty's bill would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense when applicable, to conduct systemic research on the treatment, surveillance, and prevention of concussion injuries. The bill would also establish the Concussion Research Commission to develop recommendations to address concussion research, surveillance, education, treatment, and prevention. "Bringing all stakeholders, coaches, parents, researchers, and lawmakers to the table will allow us to better address these types of injuries which affect millions each year," Beatty said.

This article was originally published as part of The Beat DC Newsletter on April 1, 2019.