Critical Gaps in High School Concussion Care - Dr. James Stavitz (Kean University)

In this episode of HEADCHECK Health Talks, host Eric VanderHelm sits down with Dr. James Stavitz from Kean University to discuss critical gaps in concussion care at the high school level.With growing awareness around brain injuries in youth sports, why do so many schools still lack proper protocols, staffing, or resources? Dr. Stavitz shares insights from his research and experience, highlighting where schools are falling short, and what needs to change to better protect student-athletes. Whether you're a parent, coach, healthcare professional, or educator, this episode offers a crucial look into the state of concussion care and what we can do to improve it.Timestamps:2:58 Current state of concussion management in high school athletics5:09 Balancing standardization with AT autonomy6:38 External forces impacting AT's ability to manage concussions9:02 Is concussion education enough?10:34 How schools can build better relationships with HCPs14:45 Practical steps for schools with limited resources 17:16 The psychological impact of having a clear protocol18:46 How a multifaceted approach improves outcomes21:28 What policy changes should be implemented25:10 Message to Athletic DirectorsSend questions or feedback to [email protected] more about HEADCHECK Health: https://www.headcheckhealth.comGet started with a free HEADCHECK account: https://www.headcheckhealth.com/products/What is HEADCHECK Health Talks?From the field to the boardroom: Expand your knowledge on how to put injury protocols into practice. Join host Eric VanderHelm (5+ years of experience collaborating with sports organizations) as he chats with leading concussion experts, researchers, medical professionals, administrators, sports executives, and more. Get expert insights, best practices, and real-world strategies to implement effective injury protocols, with a specific focus on concussions.About HEADCHECK HealthHEADCHECK launched in 2013 from a concussion research lab to tackle a critical challenge: simplifying the implementation of concussion protocols. Since its inception, HEADCHECK’s digital platform has been embraced by thousands of organizations and their expert medical personnel, including Major League Soccer, the Canadian Football League, and USA Cycling. HEADCHECK is a trusted partner of the Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) and includes the officially approved digital SCAT6® tools to enhance concussion management.