A resolution supporting the designation of September 19, 2025, as "National Concussion Awareness Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 420
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6844; text: CR S6839)
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-17T17:12:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution aims to raise awareness about concussions (a type of mild traumatic brain injury) by supporting the designation of September 19, 2025, as "National Concussion Awareness Day." It emphasizes the health risks of concussions, particularly in sports and recreation, and promotes better diagnosis, management, and prevention.
Key Provisions
- Background on Concussions: The resolution cites data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including:
- Up to 1.6–3.8 million sports-related concussions annually in the U.S.
- About 5.3 million people living with long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries.
- Around 2 million children under 18 visited emergency departments for sports- or recreation-related brain injuries between 2010 and 2016.
- An estimated 69,000 traumatic brain injury-related deaths in 2023.
- Roughly 283,000 children annually seek emergency care for sports- or recreation-related brain injuries, with contact sports accounting for 45% of cases.
- 70% of such emergency visits involve children 17 and younger.
- Many cases go unreported, underestimating the true prevalence.
- About 15% of U.S. high school students report at least one sports- or recreation-related concussion in the past year.
- Importance of Awareness: Stresses that concussions should not be downplayed in athletics, and protocols for returning to play or school can aid recovery. Concussions impact physical, mental, and social health, making proper diagnosis and management essential.
- Senate Actions:
- Supports the designation of September 19, 2025, as National Concussion Awareness Day.
- Recognizes concussions as a significant health issue.
- Praises organizations and individuals working to educate about mild traumatic brain injuries.
- Urges federal, state, and local policymakers to collaborate on raising awareness of concussion effects and improving diagnosis and management.
- Encourages ongoing research and prevention to reduce severe outcomes from concussions.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It serves as a symbolic statement of Senate support rather than enforceable policy.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public and medical community awareness of concussion risks, symptoms, and recovery protocols, potentially leading to better health outcomes for athletes, children, and recreational participants by encouraging timely care and prevention.
- On Government Agencies: Could prompt informal collaboration among federal (e.g., CDC), state, and local health entities to promote education and research, though without mandated actions or funding.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. health concerns.
- Overall, effects are primarily educational and promotional, fostering a cultural shift toward prioritizing brain injury prevention without imposing requirements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Children, Teens, and Young Adults: Primary groups at risk, especially in sports and recreation, who may benefit from heightened awareness and safer practices.
- Athletes and Coaches: Involved in contact sports, where return-to-play protocols are highlighted to prevent further injury.
- Medical Professionals and Healthcare Providers: Encouraged to improve diagnosis and management, potentially influencing emergency care and long-term treatment.
- Policymakers and Government Officials: Federal, state, and local leaders urged to collaborate on awareness campaigns and research support.
- Advocacy Organizations and Individuals: Recognized for their efforts, which may gain visibility and momentum.
- Families and Educators: Affected through school-based protocols for return-to-learn after concussions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no binding effect and does not require presidential approval or House concurrence. It aligns with Congress's role in expressing policy priorities without creating enforceable rights or obligations.
- Constitutional: No implications, as it falls within the Senate's non-legislative powers to pass resolutions on public health awareness.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties: Hassan (D), Capito (R), Durbin (D), Mullin (R)), signaling broad consensus on public health issues. It could inspire similar state-level initiatives or influence future funding for brain injury research, but remains symbolic without advancing partisan agendas.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6844; text: CR S6839)
- 2025-09-29: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-09-29: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of September 19, 2025, as National Concussion Awareness Day. — issued 2025-09-29 — PDF (3 pages)