The Brain Research Foundation Announces $50,000 Educational Grant to Fund Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Sports Concussion Initiative

CHICAGO, Nov. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brain Research Foundation (BRF) announced at its annual Gala Dinner Tuesday night that it will provide a $50,000 grant to fund an initiative designed to improve the Chicago Public Schools' ability to respond to sports-related head injuries.

"This educational grant supports efforts to reduce risks associated with sports-related head injuries by providing funding for clinics that will treat injured CPS student athletes," stated BRF executive director Terre Constantine. "Alderman Ed Burke introduced an ordinance to protect CPS athletes after attending BRF's expert panel on concussions in sports." The City Ordinance was co-sponsored by Alderman Latasha Thomas and has spurred the Chicago Public Schools to increase coach and trainer education on detecting the signs and understanding the effects of concussions.

The grant will be awarded to Sports Legacy Institute which is working with CPS to conduct education seminars throughout the city and support clinics where student athletes who suffered a head injury can be assessed by a trained medical professional. A recent BRF study on the awareness of sports-related head injuries indicated that coaches, trainers and physicians who steward young athletes are not adequately educated about concussions.

About the Brain Research Foundation

The Brain Research Foundation funds innovative neuroscience research that expands understanding of how the brain works, and provides educational programs for researchers, families struggling with debilitating brain disorders and the general public.  The Foundation plays a critical role in the scientific process by funding seed grants that are the starting blocks to discovery, allowing scientists  to prove the feasibility of their projects and produce data that will make them eligible for larger government and institutional funds.

For more information, contact
Jim Prendergast
312.280.8706

Deborah Schneider
312.280.8702

SOURCE The Brain Research Foundation