In 2003, a public awareness survey in New Jersey revealed that despite the research, which established brain injury as a leading cause of death and disability among America’s youth, public recognition of brain injury and the frequency of its occurrence is quite low. In addition, there is a lack of understanding that a concussion is a brain injury. Although most concussions resolve spontaneously, the consequences of a moderate or severe concussion can be serious, and some can alter the quality of a person’s future.
The Association launched its Concussion in Sports Campaign in 2005 to educate young athletes, their coaches, parents and others. It is guided by a committee of experts representing a range of disciplines related to youth sports, including physicians, trainers, therapists, coaches, researchers, brain injury specialists and administrators. The campaign has included a Concussion in Youth Sports Summit at Giants Stadium, the Association’s Concussion Consensus Statement that is endorsed by organizations throughout New Jersey, and a collection of other educational materials.
Funding
The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey’s Concussion in Sports Campaign is funded by the New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Fund, which was created, in part, to provide for public education and prevention activities related to brain injury. The TBI Fund is administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Disability Services.