The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, along with Chris Schwartz, President of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador and Cassandra Stockley with Newfoundland and Labrador Brain Injury Association, today proclaimed September 26 – October 2 as Concussion Awareness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. National Concussion Awareness Day is Wednesday, September 29.
Concussion Awareness Week is being recognized in regions all across Canada to encourage everyone to get involved in preventing, recognizing and managing concussion in sport.
Concussions are a serious public health issue affecting all Canadians. Early recognition of concussion, proper medical assessment, and appropriate management can make a difference in recovery. All residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are encouraged to learn how to prevent concussion in sport, how to care for one, and where to find appropriate information on prevention and injury.
The Provincial Government has established an intergovernmental committee to advise on concussion in sport, concussion safety in youth amateur sport legislation and subsequent regulations.
To help bring awareness, Sport Newfoundland and Labrador is promoting the Coaching Association of Canada’s online “Making Head Way in Sport e-Learning Courses”. Parents, coaches, and teachers are encouraged to complete this free online course at their convenience to learn more about concussion in sport.
Additional resources are available through SIRC and Parachute. Information is also available here.
Quotes
“Having knowledge and awareness on how to properly detect, manage and take care of yourself when dealing with a concussion is very important. Our goal is to educate individuals, coaches and parents/guardians on the proper steps to heal, so they can get back to their favorite activities safely.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“Concussions are a significant health concern that affect people of all ages. Concussion Awareness Week shines a light on the need for those who have a role in active living, including participants, coaches, parents and teachers, to learn more about the part they can play in preventing and managing concussions in sport. “
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services
“We hope that through increased public awareness we can educate the sports community on the risks associated with concussion. Educating our athletes, parents, coaches and public on ways to prioritize and create safer sport environments can help avoid participants suffering from concussions and the impacts that they can have on everyday life.”
Chris Schwartz
President, Sport Newfoundland and Labrador
“Concussions often go unreported due to a failure to recognize concussion symptoms and an underestimation of just how severe a concussion can be. If not treated properly, the effects of concussion can be long-term. It’s important for us to educate individuals to recognize the symptoms of concussion so they can receive proper care.”
Cassandra Stockley
Coordinator of Programs and Services, Newfoundland and Labrador Brain Injury Association
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Safe Sport – Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
Newfoundland and Labrador Brain Injury Association
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Media contacts
Kathryn Summers
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 709-699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca
Nancy Hollett
Health and Community Services
709-729-6554, 327-7878
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca
Troy Croft
Sport Newfoundland and Labrador
709-576-4932
troy@sportnl.ca
Cassandra Stockley
Newfoundland and Labrador Brain Injury Association
709-221-1288
info@nlbia.ca