Focusing on Concussion Awareness
On September 18, 2026, the Duquesne University Rangos School of Health Sciences joined organizations across the country in recognizing National Concussion Awareness Day. Faculty, staff, students, and community partners came together to increase awareness of concussion prevention, recognition, and recovery while also exploring the broader impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Through educational displays; including Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania materials; discussions; and interactive learning opportunities, students gained a deeper understanding of how brain injuries can affect cognition, participation, mental health, and quality of life across the lifespan. The event reinforced the important role health professionals play in promoting prevention, advocacy, and person-centered care for individuals experiencing the effects of concussion and TBI.
A particularly meaningful highlight of the day was a visit from a local veterans’ organization, which introduced students to Valor, a specially trained service dog. Valor's presence helped bring awareness to the critical role service dogs can play in supporting veterans living with the long-term effects of brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Through personal stories and conversation, students learned how service animals can provide companionship, increase independence, reduce anxiety, and support community reintegration for individuals facing complex physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
The event served as a powerful reminder that concussion and brain injury awareness extend far beyond a single day. By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, the Rangos School of Health Sciences continues to foster compassionate, evidence-informed practitioners who recognize the profound impact of brain injury on individuals, families, and communities. The visit from Valor and the veterans highlighted the strength of community partnerships and reinforced the importance of holistic approaches to health, healing, and participation in everyday life.
