State Launches Website To Educate About Concussions
LANSING (WWJ) - Giving a "Heads Up" to educate student athletes, parents and coaches about the symptoms and dangers of sports concussions -- that's the goal of a new website launched by state officials which features resources and online training courses about concussions.
Angela Minicucci of the Michigan Department of Community Health says Michigan recently became the 39th state to enact a law regulating concussions and when athletes can return to competition.
It goes into full effect June 30.
"One of the ... pieces that apply to our department is that it requires parents and athletes to sign a statement acknowledging the receipt of these educational materials that we've ... launched, and have that kept on file by the school or the agency that organized the sporting event," Minicucci said.
Minicucci said it's estimated that more than 170,000 sports and recreation concussions occur in the U.S. each year -- and that's just among youth.
"So, we do know that it is a problem. It's something that we've seen nationally as well as a growing trend in Michigan. So it's really wonderful that our state is doing something about it," she said.
Check out the website here.