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Congresswoman Beatty Reintroduces Concussion Awareness and Education Act

March 28, 2019

Congresswoman Beatty Reintroduces Concussion Awareness and Education Act

Beatty's bipartisan bill would establish a first-of-its-kind federal research program on the treatment and prevention of concussive injuries

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) recently reintroduced the Concussion Awareness and Education Act, H.R. 280, a comprehensive, bipartisan bill to improve awareness, education, and research on concussive injuries in student athletes and military servicemembers in basic training.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 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—having far-reaching implications and increasing the risk of sustaining another concussion. Yet, 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.

"The Concussion Awareness and Education Act is a crucial piece of legislation aimed at protecting two groups at disproportionate risk of concussive injuries: our servicemembers and student athletes," Beatty said. "There must be more coordination in the research and treatment of concussions, as well as on their causes and risks. 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."

If enacted, H.R. 280 would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), 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. The Concussion Awareness and Education Act has 36 Democratic and Republican cosponsors collectively and is awaiting further consideration in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

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