Every year, thousands of young athletes in the United States suffer concussions while participating in sports. Unfortunately, many of these young athletes do not receive correct and immediate decision making on the field nor the clinical care needed to properly diagnose and treat concussions. The results of improper care and treatment for concussions can be catastrophic to young athletes. Sports Care Connect was formed as a not-for-profit entity in September 2011 to help provide a comprehensive approach for addressing this problem in all of our communities, especially underserved communities.
The mission of Sports Care Connect is:
To build healthier communities, with a particular emphasis on the underserved, by:
(i) promoting awareness, education and prevention of sports related concussions in young athletes,
AND
(ii) significantly improving the care and support to young athletes and their families who have experienced a concussion.
We plan to fulfill our mission by working with concussion experts, medical professionals, athletic associations, the American College of Sports Medicine (“ACSM”), the CDC and other experts to promote awareness of the risks associated with the improper diagnosis and care of young concussed athletes. We also will use experts to develop and deliver targeted and effective educational materials based on best practices, and we aspire to lead efforts to mitigate sports-related concussions and improved treatment outcomes among young athletes. With the financial support of foundations, governmental entities and corporate partners, Sports Care Connect also will work to provide funding needed to help ensure that young athletes receive effective care following a suspected concussion. Depending on the level of financial support raised, such funding may be used to purchase sport concussion insurance policies designed to promote certified concussion care for youth athletes at minimal to no charge. Such funding may also be used to provide access to athletic trainers, especially those with certification in the recognition of concussions, to underserved communities. Such funding may also be used to facilitate and promote certification programs for coaches, trainers, clinicians, and related stakeholders to help in the proper recognition, assessment and treatment of young concussed athletes. The board of Sports Care Connect will direct funding provided to Sports Care Connect in a way that most effectively delivers on our mission. Again, special emphasis will be given to underserved communities.
Sports Care Connect will begin its efforts by focusing on six states – Georgia, Florida, Texas, California, North Carolina and Illinois. By mid to late 2012, Sports Care Connect hopes to broaden its efforts to include an additional ten states. Our plans are to develop and deliver national solutions by early 2014. All efforts depend upon timely and proper funding.