The CDC Foundation, in partnership with Centers for Disease Control, has launched its Heads Up to Parents website and app to help parents keep kids and teens safe from concussions and other serious brain injuries. The free online resources were created through a grant to the CDC Foundation from the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) and offer a host of useful tools for parents, coaches and others working with kids and teens.

The Heads Up to Parents website offers:

  • Videos – Watch personal stories shared by teens, parents and professional athletes, as well as expert advice on concussion and information on the proper way to fit a helmet.
  • Customizable Fact Sheets – Check out the latest materials and tools from CDC's Heads Up initiative that parents can customize with their child's or teen's team or school logo and colors.
  • Tools and Tips – Help others become involved in their community by educating and keeping kids and teens safe from concussion – both on and off the sports field.
  • Trainings – Take one of several online training courses for sports coaches and health care professionals.

 The new Heads Up app features:
 

  • Helmet Selector – Check out information on size, fit, care, and when to replace a helmet.
  • Brain Injury Basics – Get quick information on how to spot a concussion, and what to do if you think your child or teen has a concussion or other serious brain injury.
  • Safety Tips – Read pointers on how to help keep kids and teens safe from brain injuries and other injuries at home, school and play.

 “These resources expand knowledge of the best ways to help protect kids and teens from brain injuries – and what can be done if a parent or coach suspects one may have already happened,” said Charles Stokes, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation. “We are grateful to CDC for their efforts to help our youth live safe and healthy lives and to NOCSAE for their partnership in this important initiative.”

Established by Congress, the CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do more, faster, by forging effective partnerships between CDC and corporations, foundations and individuals to support CDC's 24/7 work to fight threats to health and safety.