RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CONCUSSION AWARENESS DAY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN CONCUSSION CENTER

On 2026-09-21, Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CONCUSSION AWARENESS DAY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN CONCUSSION CENTER" in the House.

RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CONCUSSION AWARENESS DAY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN CONCUSSION CENTER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E962] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CONCUSSION AWARENESS DAY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN CONCUSSION CENTER ______ HON. DEBBIE DINGELL of michigan in the house of representatives Monday, September 21, 2026 Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Concussion Awareness Day, observed on September 18, 2026, and to draw attention to the millions of Americans, civilian and military, affected by concussions each year. Today, I am proud to highlight the University of Michigan Concussion Center, the national leader in advancing our understanding of these injuries. Since its founding, the Center has generated more than $100 million in research funding and produced more than 200 publications spanning injury prevention, identification and clinical care, and most importantly its long-term effects. Michigan Concussion Center reseachers connect scientific discovery with clinical expertise and real-world needs, working alongside civilian and military health professionals, educators, and community partners to improve prevention, treatment and recovery. The Center's impact extends well beyond Michigan and the United States, with members collaborating on research and public education in more than 25 countries. As a leader of the NCAA-DoD-supported Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium, researchers at the Michigan Concussion Center are conducting the largest concussion study in the world, tracking more than 53,000 civilians and military officers to understand the acute and long-term effects of concussions. This public- private partnership has been instrumental in understanding and mitigating the effects of concussions on brain health, military readiness, and warfighter lethality. Their collaborations have also produced practical innovations. In partnership with the University's Center for Academic Innovation, the Center developed a virtual-reality training tool that allows athletic trainers and other health providers to practice recognizing and responding to concussions before stepping onto the sidelines. The Michigan Concussion Center also helped develop the recently released Concussion Navigator with the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators and the Brain lnjury Association of Michigan. This resource gives Michigan families trusted guidance on symptom monitoring, locating specialist care, and ensuring safe return to school, work, and play. The University of Michigan Concussion Center recognizes that research has its greatest impact when reliable information reaches the public. Through outreach, community engagement, and education, the Center equips students, athletes, parents, coaches, health professionals, and others to recognize concussion symptoms, respond appropriately, and support a safe recovery. On National Concussion Awareness Day, I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to learn the signs and symptoms of concussions, support safety measures, and seek timely medical care when a head injury occurs. I commend the University of Michigan Concussion Center as a national leader in advancing concussion science and for working to protect everyone, in every field, every day. Their dedication reflects the University of Michigan's enduring commitment to research and service for the common good. ____________________