Recognized each March, the U-M Concussion Center joins many others in celebrating Brain Injury Awareness Month and National Athletic Training Month. 

Brain Injury Awareness Month

What may seem like an ordinary month for many, March is dedicated to an increasing public understanding of traumatic brain injuries. For years, The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) has led the nation in observing Brain Injury Awareness Month. BIAA local chapter, and our invaluable partner in the state of Michigan, the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI), has introduced a new program this March: Living with Brain Injury. This five-week program is designed to support survivors through a series of virtual support groups. To learn more, please see here. 

On our campus, the U-M Concussion Center is leading initiatives to teach and reinforce the importance of brain health by engaging individuals of all levels of expertise. This March, our advocacy campaign focuses on delivering educational resources through posters, bus signs, table tents, and digital signage around the University of Michigan’s campus. Stories collected from stakeholders supporting brain injury health and awareness will be shared throughout the month. Everyone was eager to share their personal stories and experiences related to concussion and why they support our mission to promote brain injury awareness. In collaboration with U-M’s Neuroscience Graduate Program, several center members will volunteer at the BrainsRule event in early March to promote brain health awareness and support educational activities designed for middle school-aged students. 

National Athletic Training Month

Leading one of the most accomplished athletic programs in all collegiate sports, the Michigan Department of Athletics has been an important center partner. Athletic trainers, in particular, are the ones who work diligently behind the scenes every day, at every practice and every game. This past month, we have been working closely with several athletic trainers to gain insights on their profession, their experience in concussion management, and tips for young professionals interested in pursuing the career. National Athletic Training Month spreads awareness about the incredible value athletic trainers bring to sports. “I believe we play an integral part of the athletics program,” said U-M Mens Basketball Athletic Trainer Chris Williams, “and we are the unsung heroes from time to time.”

Follow us on Twitter in March to learn more about what the students, athletic trainers, and community members would like to share. The center is looking forward to making an impact on our campus and beyond to promote brain health and awareness.