Missing the trainer: Small and rural schools are least likely to have athletic trainers Blog Post

High schools with athletic trainers are much more likely to identify and treat concussions than schools without them. Analysis by Pamplin Media Group, InvestigateWest and Reveal shows that out of the 235 public high schools in Oregon, fewer than half have at least one athletic trainer. Nearly 47,000 students, or about 28 percent of students statewide, attend schools that do not have an athletic trainer.

Getting ahead of brain injuries Blog Post

BrainSTEPS is a concussion and brain injury education program from Pennsylvania is a modular way for school staff to think about brain injuries and disorders of all types. Trainings such as these help make it possible for teachers to feel confident managing concussion recovery as students return to the classroom.

Oregon schools fall behind on returning concussed students to classroom Blog Post

When her six-year-old son Westen suffered a fall in September leading to a concussion, Stephanie Shimp-Taylor turned to her school for help. In need of accommodations for her son, Shimp-Taylor found herself under pressure for her son’s low attendance. Although Oregon law has measures in place to support student athletes, it’s often up to schools to fill in the gaps in the classroom for non-athletes. Oregon is offering an online course for educators called “In The Classroom After Concussion.”

A Painful Pendulum Blog Post

For Sue Casey, wife of former football player Randy Casey, the link between concussion, her husband’s future behavior, and his eventual death will also never be certain. But it’s one that she attributes to the numerous concussions he suffered in his early career. Such risks to young athletes are mostly unexplored. And as reporter Kerry Eggers writes, “Although their stories typically don’t make headlines, they — and their families — are left wondering about how all those collisions on the gridiron impacted the rest of their lives.”

Clash of Craniums Blog Post

Increased concern about brain trauma in youth sports puts soccer at a confounding crossroads. As athletes, parents and coaches look to limit head contact from their games, soccer enthusiasts are debating headers. They’re a dramatic part of play. But are they necessary?

Injured and isolated: A triple blow to the head and Ireland Gomes was out Blog Post

Ireland Gomes spent most of her seventh-grade year in sports sitting on the bench, sidelined with a severe concussion. Her recovery took more than a year, and she still struggles with reading speed and comprehension, headaches and neck pain. Her parents now support more concussion education and awareness.

Is there a ‘safe’ header? Blog Post

Rest, training and prevention are key to keeping young athletes healthy. And because evidence suggests…

Changing soccer culture Blog Post

Changing soccer culture: Organized Latino clubs shake off an “ice it and play” attitude toward injuries — including concussions — while rising in the ranks.