On
Wednesday, September 25, 2019, the Rainy River District School Board will
recognize Rowan’s Law Day to help raise awareness about concussion safety.
Rowan’s Law
was named for Rowan Stringer, a high school rugby player from Ottawa, who died
in the spring of 2013 from a condition known as second impact syndrome
(swelling of the brain caused by a subsequent injury that occurred before a
previous injury healed).
Rowan is
believed to have experienced three concussions over six days while playing
rugby. She had a concussion but didn’t know her brain needed time to heal.
Neither did her parents, teachers or coaches.
In March of
2018, the Ontario government passed a law known as Rowan’s Law. Designed to
protect amateur athletes, including students, and to educate parents/guardians,
coaches, teachers, and officials about the dangers of concussions, it is the
first law of its kind in Canada and benefits both athletes and non-athletes.
Rowan’s Law
and Rowan’s Law Day were established to honour her memory and bring awareness
to concussions and concussion safety.
“We just
really want to make our staff and students aware of the dangers of
concussions,” said Donna Kowalski, principal of Sturgeon Creek School and
Nestor Falls School. “These types of injuries are not limited to people who
play sports – everyone is at risk. Rowan’s Law Day is an opportunity to educate
and engage students in a discussion about concussions.”
Kowalski
plans to visit each classroom to talk to students about the signs of
concussions, such as headaches, dizziness, light and sound sensitivity. She
added by going to each classroom, instead of having a whole school
presentation, she can adjust her message to the different grade levels.
“If a
student bumps their head, we want them to tell a staff member and to be aware
of the symptoms,” Kowalski added.
At Donald
Young School, special announcements about concussion safety will be provided at
the start of the day on Sept. 25. In addition, Amy Cunningham from the
Northwestern Health Unit will share a concussion presentation with students in
Grades 5-8.
The Rainy
River District School Board has many resources on concussions for staff,
students, and parents/guardians, including a Concussion Code of Conduct and a
concussion protocol to follow if a concussion is suspected.
Rowan’s Law
Day is a day to learn about this type of injury, so students, staff, and
parents are better able to recognize and respond to suspected concussions. It
is important for those who experience concussions to speak up, get the help
they need, and take the time necessary for recovery, with the support of
everyone around them.