WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) joined together to introduce a bipartisan resolution to officially designate January 30th as National CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) and RHI (Repeated Head Impacts) Awareness Day. This critical initiative aims to shed light on the severe and often underestimated dangers of repeated head trauma, honor the individuals and families affected, and advance essential efforts in research, education, and prevention.

“Repeated head trauma can devastate lives in ways that are both profound and preventable,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “From athletes and veterans to survivors of domestic violence, the impact of CTE and RHI transcends demographics and leaves countless families grappling with invisible injuries. By establishing National CTE and RHI Awareness Day, we shine a critical spotlight on this silent epidemic, elevate understanding, and rally behind research and education efforts that can save lives and protect future generations. This resolution is a tribute to those we’ve lost and a promise to do better for those at risk.”

“As a former high school and college football player myself, I know the dangers associated with repeated head trauma and concussions and have been working in Congress to create national standards for evidence-based concussion safety measures to help schools keep their athletes safe,” said Congressman DeSaulnier. “I am proud to partner with Congressman Fitzpatrick in leading this resolution to bring greater attention to this issue to the American public so we can treat it with the seriousness it demands.”

Karen Kinzle, PA-1 Resident from Doylestown and President of the Patrick Risha CTE Awareness Foundation, emphasized the urgent need for action:

“We are grateful for Brian Fitzpatrick’s willingness to understand this critical issue and help lead the charge to raise awareness and save precious lives. CTE and RHI Awareness Day is of special importance to our family because we lost an amazing young man to suicide as a result of repetitive head impacts and the CTE it eventually caused. Families of veterans or contact sports athletes or domestic abuse victims need to know that if a person seems to be changing and going off the rails, they may be dealing with a physical disease or damage in the brain causing the psychological problem. People have a great capacity for dealing with adversity. They just need to know what they are dealing with and how to cope. We are learning just how fragile the human brain truly is, and the best news is that CTE and RHI are 100% preventable,” said Karen Kinzle.

Resolution Highlights

The resolution aims to:

• Designate January 30, 2025, as National CTE and RHI Awareness Day to raise public consciousness about the critical risks of repeated head injuries.
• Honor individuals, families, and caregivers enduring the challenges of CTE and RHI.
• Recognize researchers and medical professionals driving innovation in understanding and preventing brain trauma.
• Encourage federal agencies such as the CDC and NIH to amplify public education efforts on prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies.
• Foster community engagement through educational initiatives and outreach efforts to prevent further head injuries and their long-term consequences.

This resolution represents a vital step forward in addressing the long-term effects of repeated head trauma. Together, Fitzpatrick and DeSaulnier are championing a cause that transcends politics and prioritizes the health and well-being of countless Americans.

Read the text of the resolution here.

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