2023 House Resolution 134

Whereas, Mild traumatic brain injury, otherwise known as a concussion, is an important health concern for children, teens, and adults; and

Whereas, According to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: there are as many as 1,600,000 to 3,800,000 sports-related concussions annually; as many as 5,300,000 individuals live with a disability because of a traumatic brain injury, between 2010 and 2016, an estimated 2,000,000 children under age 18 visited an emergency department because of a traumatic brain injury sustained during sports or recreation-related activities, and an estimated 283,000 children seek care in United States emergency departments each year for a sport- or recreation-related traumatic brain injury, with traumatic brain injuries sustained in contact sports accounting for approximately 45 percent of these visits; and

Whereas, Research suggests that many children with a traumatic brain injury do not seek care in emergency departments or do not seek care at all, resulting in a significant underestimate of prevalence; and

Whereas, The seriousness of concussions should not be minimized in athletics. Return-to-play and return-to-learn protocols can help ensure recovery; and

Whereas, Concussions can affect physical, mental, and social health, and a greater awareness and understanding of proper diagnosis and management of concussions is critical to improved outcomes; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 15, 2023, as Concussion Awareness Day in the state of Michigan. We express support for this designation; and be it further

Resolved, That we recognize that mild traumatic brain injury is an important health concern, commend the organizations and individuals that raise awareness about mild traumatic brain injury, and encourage awareness about the effects of concussions and the proper diagnosis and management of concussions.