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DOD, NCAA team up for $4 million research initiative for preventing brain injuries
Stars and Stripes
November 6, 2014
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Freddy Toruno positions a service member for a CT scan at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan's Craig Joint Theater Hospital July 24, 2014. The CT scan helps radiologists diagnose different types of disease and injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries. (Evelyn Chavez/U.S. Air Force)
WASHINGTON — As part of an ongoing study into the effects of concussions on servicemembers and college athletes, the Department of Defense and NCAA have launched a $4 million initiative seeking to enhance efforts to prevent traumatic brain injuries.
The program will provide grants of up to $400,000 for research into improving understanding within the military and college athletic programs about the impact of concussions. Grants of up to $100,000 will fund efforts to create educational materials to spread awareness of concussions.
DOD and NCAA officials announced the campaign Thursday and unveiled a website, www.mindmatterschallenge.org, where grant proposals can be submitted.
The initiative is part of a three-year, $30-million study that the DOD and NCAA launched earlier this year to examine the impact and lower the incidence of mild traumatic brain injuries.
Some 37,000 student-athletes will take part in the survey, which comes as college and pro sports leagues face mounting criticism for moving too slowly to address concerns over concussions.
The NCAA has agreed to a $75 million settlement in a lawsuit brought by two dozen former college football players who claim that they suffer from lingering symptoms of concussions suffered during their playing days. A federal judge is reviewing the settlement terms.
Traumatic brain injuries have been dubbed the “signature injury” of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. An estimated 400,000 servicemembers have suffered brain injuries since U.S. troops invaded Afghanistan in 2001.