Strengthening Michigan’s Concussion Law
Michigan was the 39th state to pass concussion legislation for youth sports. The law has been effective at educating athletes, parents, and administrators while also improving the health care of injured athletes. The law, however, fails to hold those who violate it accountable for their actions. Read the attached white paper for our suggestions for improvement.
Racial and Socioeconomic Considerations for Concussion Evaluation and Management
Social and cultural factors, including socioeconomic status and race, have been known to influence concussion risk, symptoms, and recovery. However, there have been limited studies exploring the impact of these factors.
In July 2020, the center invited Dr. Tamerah Hunt, associate professor of Athletic Training at Georgia Southern University, to present her DEIJ-related work on the influence of socioeconomic status on race and concussion. In October 2021, Dr. Jessica Wallace, assistant professor of Athletic Training at the University of Alabama, presented her research on social determinants of health relative to concussion as part of a roundtable discussion. Both Dr.s Hunt and Wallace highlighted the socio-cultural influences of patient-provider and subject-researcher relationships in relation to concussion disclosure and management.
*Note: Download the corresponding white paper
Concussion and long-term neurological health: Have we just scratched the surface?
In October 2021, the U-M Concussion Center invited concussion and neurodegenerative researchers, Drs. Raquel Gardner, Thomas McAllister, and William Meehan, for a roundtable discussion about concussion and long-term neurological health. Through our conversation, we asked the panelists to discuss: 1) current understanding of concussion and/or head impact exposure and long-term neurological impairment risk, 2) the effects of concussion across the lifespan, and 3) ways to communicate these topics with key stakeholders.
*Note: Download the corresponding white paper and one-pager.
Social and Cultural Disparities of Sport Concussion
The U-M Concussion Center invited local and national stakeholders from the athletic and research communities to share expertise and facilitate dialogue on the variables that impact concussion identification and management in athletes. Topics discussed included the social/cultural factors that provide additional context and should be considered as influencers to athlete self-reporting, treatment, and/or care.
*Note: Download the corresponding white paper