Federal government invests $1M in program to prevent and treat concussions

The federal government is giving more than $1 million to a charitable organization in the hopes of reducing concussions.

Ginette Petitpas Taylor, the minister of health, announced the funding alongside minister of sport and science Kirsty Duncan.

It will go to Parachute’s Concussion Harmonization Phase II project.

The cash will be used to treat, prevent and recognize concussions across the whole country.

Every year hospital emergency rooms treat roughly 53,000 concussions in adults aged 20 or over.

Among people aged between five and 19, there are about 46,000 concussions treated a year.

The majority of the concussions diagnosed in young people are sustained in sports like ice hockey, rugby and ringette.

“Being and staying active is an important aspect of leading a healthy life, but too many children and youth are experiencing a concussion during sports and recreation activities, sometimes with tragic outcomes,” Taylor said.

“Active Canadians of all ages need to have access to the right resources to help prevent and manage concussions. While we have made significant progress in implementing Canada’s national concussion strategy, there is still work to be done.”

Duncan, meanwhile, said: “This investment will allow sports organizations to recognize, manage and prevent concussions at all levels of sport.”