FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2017
Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare Announces Youth Concussion Pilot Program for Local Football Teams
Livermore, CA (July 25, 2017) --- Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare today announced that football players at Livermore High Schools will begin a concussion baseline testing program this week. Generous donations from the Gander Estate, the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, and Dr. Steve Faith of Livermore Optometry Group made this possible. The free baseline testing will be provided to all football players at Livermore and Granada High Schools, and demonstrates the donors’ passion for sports and interest in supporting youth in the Tri-Valley.
Baseline assessments are performed annually prior to a concussion and usually before a sports season begins. The tests can serve as a comparison in the event of an injury, and help expedite a safe and appropriate return to sport.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of children (age 19 or younger) treated in the U.S emergency departments for sports- and recreation-related injuries is on the rise. In fact, injuries that included a diagnosis of concussion or traumatic brain injury more than doubled from 2001 to 2012.
“Concussions in youth sports have become an increasing concern nationwide. The good news is that our understanding of concussion has grown significantly over the years. Funding for this program will allow Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare to continue to advance the concussion care it has provided for more than 10 years to the community through its Physical and Sports Medicine Department,” said Scott Gregerson, Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare President.
The gift from the Gander Estate and Dr. Faith will allow Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare to offer a complete baseline testing package that includes neuro-cognitive testing that measures memory and reaction time. Testing procedures also leverage a software program using force plates to measure balance and inner-ear function.
“This partnership came together quickly and represents the collective work of Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare, our Charitable Foundation, and the commitment and dedication of our donors,” said Shaké Sulikyan, ValleyCare Charitable Foundation Executive Director. “Phyllis Hardon Gander was a longtime volunteer with ValleyCare and her family wanted to make sure her gift would have a meaningful impact in the community. By using her estate gift to help us launch this critical program, she is continuing her legacy in the Tri-Valley. Dr. Faith at the Livermore Optometry Group has been dedicated to concussion education and prevention in the Tri-Valley for years. We are humbled that the youth program represents a personal passion for him.”
If you or anyone you know might be interested in the concussion baseline testing package for youth, please contact Physical and Sports Medicine at 925.373.4019.
For more information about Stanford Health Care - ValleyCare, visit www.valleycare.com.
About Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare
ValleyCare Health System has provided high quality, not-for-profit health care to the Tri-Valley and surrounding communities since 1961. In 2015, ValleyCare and Stanford Health Care partnered to become Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare. Through highly skilled physicians, nurses and staff, and state-of-the art technology, Stanford Health Care - ValleyCare offers a wide range of health care services at its Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin medical facilities. Visit www.valleycare.com.
About ValleyCare Charitable Foundation
ValleyCare Charitable Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit with the sole purpose of raising funds for Stanford Health Care – ValleyCare. Funds raised by VCCF support a wide variety of initiatives that enhance patient care and help meet the growing needs of the Tri-Valley communities. Our fundraising focus is local, with monies supporting state-of-the-art healthcare technology, facilities, various clinical programs and services at the hospital. VCCF has been generously supported by the Tri-Valley community for over 50 years and is dedicated to keeping quality health care available to you and your family when you need it. For more information about supporting the hospital, please email vccharitable@stanfordhealthcare.org or call 925.373.4560.
Reference for CDC statistic:
https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/get_the_facts.html
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Originally published July 26, 2017. This post is contributed by a community member. The views expressed in this post are the author's. Registered users are welcome to post on Patch.