Today, U.S. Representatives Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) and Don Bacon (R-NE-02), co-chairs of the Congressional Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force, introduced H.Res 567, a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives recognizing September 20 as Concussion Awareness Day. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

“From professional athletes on the field, to military servicemembers defending our country, to a young child falling from her bicycle, brain injury is a looming threat in all walks of life. While the circumstances surrounding the cause of injury may vary greatly, the dangers of the injury do not. As co-chair and founder of the Congressional Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force, increasing awareness and funding treatment protocols for individuals with brain injury remains one of my top priorities,” said Rep. Pascrell. “The Concussion Awareness Day Resolution signals not only the urgency with which we operate to prevent and treat concussion, but also increasing awareness of brain injury. I am committed to continuing that work so long as brain injuries remain a prevalent threat in every-day life.”

“In Nebraska, it is estimated that over 300,000 people have suffered a traumatic brain injury and nearly 37,000 people live with a disability caused by a TBI,” said Rep. Bacon. “I am grateful to partner with my fellow Co-Chairs of the TBI Task Force to introduce a resolution that will recognize September 20^th as Concussion Awareness Day. We need to raise more awareness on the severity and serious risks associated with TBIs.”

“Concussions can cause lasting damage to the brain, especially for young people,” said Senator Hassan. “I am encouraged that members on both sides of aisle, and in both chambers, have introduced this important resolution to help bring more awareness to the serious nature of concussions.”

“Far too many children, teens, and adults in West Virginia and across the nation are being treated, hospitalized, and in some cases, experiencing long-term disabilities as a result of concussions,” said Senator Capito. “Greater awareness and understanding of concussion prevention, as well as proper diagnosis and management of concussions, are essential for athletes, coaches, parents, and others. I hope that the designation of a national ‘Concussion Awareness Day’ will help amplify this important message.”

Full text of the House resolution can be viewed here.

For two decades, Rep. Pascrell has been a leader in advancing brain injury policy on Capitol Hill. He co-founded the Congressional Traumatic Brain Injury Task Force in 2001 and has served as task force co-chair since its inception. The Task Force works to increase awareness of brain injury in the United States, supports research initiatives for rehabilitation and potential cures, and strives to address the effects these injuries have on all Americans, including children, members of the Armed Forces, and athletes.

Reps. Pascrell also champions funding for programs at the Department of Defense that go towards TBI research and treatment, such as the Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program, the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence.