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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

a day to think about prevention

Albertans encouraged to recognize Concussion Awareness Day Sept. 24

Sep 20, 2025 | 12:00 PM

This Sept. 24, Albertans are being encouraged to observe Concussion Awareness Day, which is a day to support health and safety in sport and recreation.

The day is a partnership between the provincial government and the Sport Medicine Council of Alberta.

According to the Injury Prevention Centre (IPC) at the University of Alberta, the province shared, 41 Albertans sustain a concussion each day, with the highest rates among Albertans aged 10-24.

That’s nearly 15,000 every year.

An IPC study further found falls are the leading cause of concussions at nearly 36 per cent, while sports cause 22 per cent, and motor vehicle collisions are at fault for nine per cent.

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Many concussions go unnoticed or unreported, however.

“The best concussion is the one that doesn’t happen. Prevention begins with education, and awareness is our strongest tool,” says Andrew Boitchenko, minister of tourism and sport.

“By working together to learn, share and promote safe practices, we can help protect Albertans from the long-term impacts of concussion.”

Tim Enger, executive director at Football Alberta, says concussions can’t be wholly eliminated, but his organization is proud of the efforts they’ve taken to address the issue.

“Through new coaching education, stricter practice and game guidelines and stronger focus on recognition, care and recovery, concussion incidents have greatly reduced,” he shared.

“We remain committed to making concussion awareness and care a top priority in football.”

Resources on concussion prevention are available through the Injury Prevention Centre, Sport Medicine Council of Alberta, Alberta Sport, and MyHealth Alberta.