Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention

The Unintentional Injury Prevention Program's Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention Program addresses the prevention of traumatic brain injuries and mild traumatic brain injuries among children by focusing on: bicycle safety, playground safety and the prevention of sports related concussions. This program supports the implementation of proven countermeasures such as head protection, proper surfacing material on playgrounds, early recognition of head injuries and proper treatment of head injuries, especially in sporting situations to prevent and/or minimize the severity of brain injuries among children.

Efforts related to this program include:

• Partnering with other state level organizations to address traumatic brain injuries and mild traumatic brain among children.
• Raising the awareness of healthcare providers, athletes and parents about the proper use of headgear and the recognition and treatment of brain injuries.
• Initiating activities related to the education of coaches pertaining to the prevention brain injuries and return to play decisions among student athletes.
• Supporting Virginia schools to institutionalize traumatic brain injury prevention activities related to playground safety and bicycle helmet safety.