Concussion prevention programs get $1.5M from feds

CBC News
January 19 2012

Four sports organizations will receive $1.5 million in federal funding for new education programs designed to reduce concussions and other brain injuries in children and youth who play team sports.

The Public Health Agency of Canada's "Active and Safe" program is supporting a joint project of ThinkFirst Canada, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, the Coaching Association of Canada, and Hockey Canada to help coachers, trainers, parents, and athletes recognize and prevent serious brain injuries.

In announcing the funding in Ottawa Thursday, Minister of State for Amateur Sport Bal Gosal noted that an estimated 90 per cent of severe brain injuries were preventable.

Information provided by his department says more than 40 per cent of brain injuries in children and youth aged 10 to 19 years who get treated in emergency departments are due to sports and recreation activities.

The project highlighted in Thursday's announcement will research the information currently available and identify any obvious gaps. A safety-minded public awareness campaign will follow, using online communication in particular to ensure access across Canada and keep costs down.

Plans for the project include a brain injury and concussion mobile app, downloadable concussion information cards and helmet fitting guides, and toolkits for individuals involved in particular team sports.