The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) Supports Senator Judith Schwank’s “Brain Injury Awareness Month” Resolution
HARRISBURG, Pa. (PRWEB) March 24, 2018 -- On March 9, 2018, Pennsylvania Representative Tina Pickett introduced House Resolution 741 (HR 741) designating the month of March 2018 as “Brain Injury Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania in hopes that more individuals and organizations become aware of and assist in advancing brain injury prevention, research, and treatment. The resolution was adopted (188–0) on March 14, 2018. A similar co-sponsorship memo was introduced in the Senate by Senator Schwank and will be voted on in the near future. Senator Judith Schwank represents the 11th Senatorial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS) President, George Roberts, Med, LAT, ATC, CES wrote a letter of support to Senator Schwank.
As written in HR 741, it is estimated that more than 3.5 million children and adults sustain an acquired brain injury (ABI) each year and more than 12 million Americans are currently living with an ABI. Approximately 2.5 million children and adults sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the United States each year and approximately 5.3 million Americans are currently living with TBI related disabilities.
The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania states that 2,223 Pennsylvanians die each year from brain related injury. While, 10,463 are hospitalized each year, 8,612 sustain long term or lifelong disability, and 245,621 Pennsylvanians and currently living with a brain injury.
PATS has been working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), the Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board, and the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania, Inc since 2011 on education initiatives for families, students, physicians, physician assistants and school nurses.
PATS recognizes that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a common acute medical ailment afflicting our patient population, and that Athletic Trainers are knowledgeable in diagnosing and referring all TBI. Athletic Trainers are able to provide patients and their families with support and resources during the recovery process. PATS is very appreciative of Senator Schwank’s efforts in recognizing TBI and the efforts to help those affected.
For more information regarding this topic or to schedule an interview with PATS President George Roberts, MEd, LAT, ATC, CES ([email protected]), please contact Linda Mazzoli, MS, LAT, ATC, PATS Executive Director at [email protected].
The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society, Inc. is a progressive organization of licensed health care professionals who work under the direction of a licensed physician. Our society continues to increase public awareness and education regarding athletic trainers and the athletic training profession while serving as the premier source of information for public safety, injury and illness, early intervention, patient care and healthcare delivery for the physically active in the Commonwealth.
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Ashley E. Care, Pennsylvainia Athletic Trainers' Society, http://www.gopats.org, +1 610-921-7827, [email protected]
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