National Concussion Awareness Week is being recognized across Canada from September 22 to 28, 2024 to encourage everyone to get involved in preventing, recognizing, and managing concussions.

Concussions are a serious public health issue that affect many Northwest Territories residents and their loved ones. Early recognition of concussions, along with proper medical assessment and appropriate management, can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes. It is important for those involved in the sport community to know how to prevent concussions, how to care for one, and where to find good information.

In the territory, you can access Concussion Awareness in Sport information and resources from the Sport North Federation at: www.sportnorth.com/

Additional Information and Resources:

Parachute

Parachute is Canada’s national charity dedicated to reducing the devastating impact of preventable injuries. Unintentional injury is the No. 1 killer of Canadians aged 1 – 34. The financial toll is staggering, with injury costing the Canadian economy $29.4 billion a year. Through education and advocacy, Parachute is working to save lives and create a Canada free of serious injuries.

Sport Information Resource Centre

Incorporated in 1973, the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) has been the leading and most trusted source to learn, share, and support Canada’s sport community for over 40 years. Funded in part by the Government of Canada, SIRC is committed to engaging with organizations and individuals involved in or responsible for the development of sport and fitness in Canada and around the world.

What you can do:

• Acknowledge Concussion Awareness Week on social media using the hashtags #ConcussionEd and #HeadstrongCanada.
• Find out what you can do to prevent concussions in your sport or activity and know what to do if a concussion does happen. Do not let the risk of getting a concussion keep you out of sport and physical activity. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/concussion-sign-symptoms/concussion-prevention-risks.html
• A concussion is an injury that should be taken seriously. But, like other injuries, you can take the proper steps to heal. Keep it simple with the four R’s: https://sirc.ca/concussion
• Learn the signs and symptoms so you can recognize a possible concussion. See an impact to the head, neck, or body? Check for signs and symptoms of concussion. Visit www.parachute.ca/concussion to learn more.
• Coaches have an important role to help keep participants safe. Here is what every coach should know about concussions: https://www.coach.ca/module/nccp-making-head-way-sport
• Speak up about concussion symptoms. Tell a coach, parent, teacher, or another adult you trust if you think you might have a concussion.

For media requests, please contact:

Jay Boast

Senior Communications and Planning Advisor

Department of Municipal and Community Affairs

Government of the Northwest Territories

Jay_Boast@gov.nt.ca

867-767-9162 ext. 21044