Brain Injury Association of Washington Continues Leadership in Concussion Prevention

SEATTLE, Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Brain Injury Association of Washington (BIAWA) continues their leadership role in educating the public on the importance of youth concussion prevention and of all states' need for legislation to support the health and safety of all our youth when playing the sports they love. 

Attorney Richard Adler, JD, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Brain Injury Association of Washington is highlighted in a new special video segment just produced and released by ESPN sports, "Life Changed by Concussions."  The segment will air numerous times in the next week and will provide important outreach to the general public during Super Bowl week.  The segment also includes former BIAWA Gala Chair, Dr. Richard Ellenbogen, chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery as well as chief and attending of neurological surgery at Harborview Medical Center and attending neurosurgeon at Seattle Children's. 

Check your local listings.

In May, 2009, BIAWA led a consortium of organizations and professional teams including the Seahawks/Sounders in passing "The Zackery Lystedt Law."  This law requires that any youth athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury, regardless of loss of consciousness, be removed from play or practice.  "When in doubt, sit them out."  Once removed, the athlete may not return to play or practice until they receive written clearance from a licensed health care professional trained in the evaluation and management of concussion and head injury.  This legislation is the first of its kind in the country and serves as a model to other states.  There are now over 30 states nationally with similar legislation.

Founded in 1982 and celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the Brain Injury Association of Washington is dedicated to providing prevention and support services to all Washingtonians who have suffered a brain injury.  BIAWA is the voice for the hundreds of thousands who are affected and the more than 20,000 who suffer a TBI annually in Washington State.   For more information about the Brain Injury Association of Washington call 877-98BIAWA (982-4292) or the TBI Resource Center at 877-824-1766. 

To view the segment, follow this link:  http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7525526&categoryid=5595394

To set-up an interview with Mr. Adler media may contact either:

SOURCE The Brain Injury Association of Washington