This bill supports the designation of January 30, 2025, as CTE and RHI Awareness Day to promote awareness, research, and education about chronic traumatic encephalopathy and repeated head impacts. It encourages federal agencies to disseminate information about CTE and RHI and urges Americans to participate in awareness activities.
Brian Fitzpatrick
Representative
PA-1
This bill supports the designation of January 30, 2025, as CTE and RHI Awareness Day to increase public knowledge of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and repeated head impacts (RHI). It acknowledges the risks and impact of these conditions, particularly for athletes, veterans, and others susceptible to head trauma. The bill encourages further research, early diagnosis, and informed decision-making, while also recognizing the contributions of researchers, affected families, and organizations dedicated to CTE awareness. It also urges the CDC and NIH to include CTE and RHI information in concussion education.
Bill Pushes for National CTE and RHI Awareness Day on January 30, 2025: Focus on Brain Injury Risks
This bill is all about raising the alarm on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and Repeated Head Impacts (RHI)—basically, the damage that can happen from repeated blows to the head. The legislation formally supports designating January 30, 2025, as "CTE and RHI Awareness Day." The core goal? To get everyone—from athletes and their families to military veterans—more informed about these serious brain injuries.
Brain Injury Wake-Up Call
The bill highlights how repeated head impacts, even seemingly minor ones, can mess with the brain's white matter and lead to a buildup of a protein called tau (similar to what's seen in Alzheimer's). It acknowledges that CTE is a progressive brain disease linked to repeated head injuries, as stated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in October 2022. While athletes and military veterans are called out as being at higher risk, the bill also points out that survivors of domestic abuse and people with epilepsy can be affected, too. The symptoms—like memory loss, tremors, and depression—might not show up until years after the injuries, making it even trickier to deal with. Right now, CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death.
Real-World Impact: Knowledge is Power
Imagine a high school football player repeatedly getting tackled, or a soldier exposed to multiple blasts. This bill aims to make sure those individuals, their families, and their doctors understand the potential long-term consequences. It's not about scaring people; it's about providing the information needed to make informed choices. For instance, a parent might think twice about letting their child play certain contact sports, or a veteran might seek help sooner if they start experiencing symptoms. The bill directly encourages the CDC and NIH to include CTE and RHI information in concussion education. This is all about prevention and early intervention.
Pushing for Progress
Beyond just raising awareness, the bill gives a shout-out to the doctors, researchers, and (crucially) the research participants and brain donors who are helping us understand CTE and RHI better. It also acknowledges the individuals and families already dealing with the fallout from these conditions. The bill encourages Americans to observe the day with awareness activities. By pushing for more research and better diagnostic tools, the hope is to eventually catch CTE earlier and develop effective treatments. It recognizes organizations like the Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation for their work in this area. Ultimately, this bill is a step toward acknowledging a serious problem and encouraging concrete action to address it.