CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Kanawha County health officials are preparing to host the “Concussion Discussion” breakfast Thursday morning in an effort to help the public better recognize brain injuries.
The event is free, and Dr. Steven Eshenaur, executive director of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department and moderator of the event, says the breakfast is open for anyone who need information on concussions and brain injuries.
“Discussion is open to all coaches, parents, athletic directors, teachers, interested individuals that need and want to come, as well as referees,” Eshenaur said.
Multiple doctors and specialists will be on hand for the breakfast to join Dr. Eshenaur, including CAMC neurosurgeon Dr. Calvin Whaley and Marshall University emergency physician Dr. Jim Kyle.
Eshenaur says the experienced individuals in the room want to focus on concussion recognition and prevention.
“We’re interested in what we can do to prevent concussions and when to recognize concussions, not just in football players, but baseball, basketball, lacrosse, soccer, you name it,” Eshenaur said.
The discussion comes in the wake of the August tragedy that saw 13-year-old Cohen Craddock, an eighth-grade football player at Madison Middle School, died from a head injury he suffered at practice.
Eshenaur says the tragedy has brought certain safety habits and procedures to light.
“The very unfortunate death of a student athlete in our community has really brought to light the importance of recognizing concussions and when a child needs to be taken out of play,” Eshenaur said. It’s all about prevention, prevention, prevention, preventing additional injuries when a child has had a concussion and when to get them to a doctor.”
Eshenaur says everyone needs to become more educated on concussions.
“We, as a community, need to be more educated about concussions,” Eshenaur said. “That starts with prevention.”
Eshenaur says guests attending will get educated, and some specific topic will be discussed.
“How to tackle, how to prevent head injuries in other sports (other than football), as well, but also what is the best and most appropriate safety equipment that our kids can wear?” Eshenaur said. “Lastly, limiting the amount of contact in our practices that may result in unnecessary injuries during the practice, especially pre-season.”
Eshenaur says that this event will not just be a lecture, but rather, questions and comments are welcomed.
“We’re having an open talk afterwards where parents can ask (about) issues, coaches, athletic directors, trainers, referees, anyone who has an interest in our student athletes is welcomed to attend,” Eshenaur said.
Those wanting to attend the Concussion Discussion need to register.
The event is at 7:30 Thursday morning at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Theater.