Andrew Brower has 6500 reasons to care about preventing concussions. That’s the number of children from 4 to 18 years old that play for the Birmingham United Soccer Association (BUSA). As Executive Director of BUSA, Brower has seen an increasing interest in concussion awareness and education.Recent Center for Disease Control studies estimate that between 1.6-3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. And, we all know that sports is on everyone’s agenda in Birmingham.

As a response to several statewide concussion-related initiatives, according to Brower, one of BUSA’s goals in the coming year is to have qualified athletic trainers on-site daily for every practice and on game days to help identify concussions. His club is also working with Drayer Physical Therapy and the Lemak Group to develop a comprehensive concussion awareness, treatment and medical clearance program.

Brower’s goal concerning concussions is simple.

“Everyone needs to be on the same page to address concussions – the coaches, parents, doctors, trainers and administrators. BUSA has 6500 players, 240 volunteer coaches, 40-50 paid coaches, 9 full-time staff and thousands of parents and family members. Everyone needs to work together,” concluded Brower.

Children’s of Alabama is aiming to help to get everyone on the same page with its 4th annual Concussion Summit.

Concussion Summit

Working together, developing strategies and educating the public about concussions is what the upcoming 4th Annual 2017 Concussion Summit at Children’s of Alabama is all about.

The Concussion Summit is open to healthcare providers, individuals in the sports and athletic community, school system staff, leadership, parents and athletes.

Program Details

Date: Friday, April 28, 2017

Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Location: Children’s Harbor Building – Bradley Lecture Center

1600 6th Avenue South 4th Floor, Children’s Harbor Building Birmingham, AL 35233

The Summit is part of the Children’s of Alabama Concussion Clinic that was established to assist and provide evaluation, treatment and medical clearance for youth and teenage athletes in the Birmingham community. They also educate the community, parents, coaches, and teachers alike, to better the treatment of concussions in young athletes.

Some topics that will be discussed at this year’s summit include:

“How UAB’s New Football Helmet Could Impact the Game”
“Return to Think: What Can Schools Do to Help Kids Recover”
“Concussion Care for Kids: We’ve Come a Long Way Baby! But…”

Guest speakers will include UAB’s Head Football Coach Bill Clark and renowned neuropsychologist from Children’s National System in Washington D.C., Dr. Gerard Gioia.

A can’t miss event for anyone concerned about concussions.