Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 18, 2026, as Concussion Awareness Day in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1321

BY: M. of A. Rules (Santabarbara)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        September 18, 2026, as Concussion Awareness  Day  in
        the State of New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  custom  of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

  WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative  Body  to  memorialize
Governor  Kathy  Hochul  to  proclaim  September 18, 2026, as Concussion
Awareness Day in the State of New York,  in  conjunction  with  National
Concussion Awareness Day; and

  WHEREAS,  Concussions  are a form of traumatic brain injury that can
result from a  blow  or  jolt  to  the  head  or  body  and  can  affect
individuals  of  all ages, particularly children, adolescents, athletes,
military personnel, and older adults; and

  WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease  Control  and  Prevention  estimate
that  millions  of concussions occur annually in the United States, many
of which go unreported or untreated, increasing the  risk  of  long-term
cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments; and

  WHEREAS, Repeated or improperly managed concussions have been linked
to  serious  long-term  health consequences, including chronic traumatic
encephalopathy (CTE), memory loss, depression,  and  other  neurological
disorders; and

  WHEREAS,   Early  recognition,  proper  diagnosis,  and  appropriate
medical management of concussions are critical to reducing the  risk  of
further injury and promoting full recovery; and

  WHEREAS,  Increasing  public  awareness about concussion prevention,
symptoms, treatment, and return-to-activity protocols can  help  protect
the  health and safety of New York State residents, particularly student
athletes and youth participating in sports and recreational  activities;
and

  WHEREAS,  New  York  State  has  demonstrated a strong commitment to
public health, injury prevention, and youth  safety  through  education,
legislation, and community outreach initiatives; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,   That  this  day  be  observed  by  encouraging  schools,
healthcare providers,  athletic  organizations,  community  groups,  and
residents  throughout  the  State  of  New  York  to increase education,
awareness, and advocacy surrounding concussion prevention,  recognition,
and treatment; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim  September  18,  2026,  as
Concussion Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of  New
York.