Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) are recognizing today, Friday, September 19th, as National Concussion Awareness Day.

“As the father of six young athletes, and a former fighter myself, I know firsthand how challenging concussions, and other traumatic brain injuries, can be,” said Senator Mullin. “Anyone who knows my family knows our son, Jim, suffered a life-threatening TBI from a wrestling incident in 2020. While he’s made an incredible recovery– our lives have never been the same. Though our experience stems from the world of sports, you don’t have to be an athlete to suffer a concussion, everyone is susceptible. That is why we must continue to bring awareness to this critical injury. I am honored to join my colleagues on this resolution to recognize Friday, September 19th, as National Concussion Awareness Day.”

“Concussions can happen to anyone, not just from playing sports but during everyday activities, and we must continue to build awareness about these injuries,” said Senator Hassan. “This resolution recognizing National Concussion Awareness Day will help spread awareness and ensure that more Americans have access to the information and resources that they need to prevent, recognize, and properly treat these traumatic brain injuries. I’m grateful to Granite Stater Brooke Schuessler, whose dedicated advocacy continues to drive meaningful change in how we approach concussion awareness.” 

“Concussions adversely affect far too many individuals in West Virginia and across our country,” said Senator Capito. “Enhancing concussion prevention and increasing awareness, in addition to proper diagnosis and management, are essential for athletes, coaches, parents, and others to play sports and work safely. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this resolution and I hope it amplifies the need for continued concussion prevention, safety, and treatment.”

“A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can impact someone for a lifetime.  That’s why it’s critical that Americans take head injuries seriously,” said Senator Durbin. “I’m joining Senator Hassan to introduce a resolution to recognize National Concussion Awareness Day to help spread awareness about the available resources to prevent, identify, and treat concussions.”

The resolution recognizes September 19, 2025, as National Concussion Awareness Day, commends organizations that raise awareness about concussions, and encourages further research and prevention efforts. 

Read full text of the resolution here.

Background:

• There are as many as 1,600,000 to 3,800,000 sports-related concussions annually.
• About 5,300,000 individuals live with the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury.
• Between 2010 and 2016, an estimated 2,000,000 children under age 18 visited an emergency department because of a traumatic brain injury sustained during sports- or recreation-related activities.
• 7 in 10 emergency department visits for sports- or recreation-related traumatic brain injury are for children ages 17 and younger.
• Research suggests that many children with a traumatic brain injury do not seek care in emergency departments or do not seek care at all, resulting in a significant underestimate of prevalence.
• Approximately 15 percent of all high school students in the United States self-reported 1 or more sports-or recreation-related concussions within the preceding 12 months.

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