Rowan’s Law Day is Wednesday, September 27, promoting concussion awareness

This year, Rowan’s Law Day is Wednesday, September 27. The day highlights the influential role everyone can play in preventing, recognizing, and managing concussions, especially in schools and sport organizations.

Rowan Stringer loved rugby. A competitive and keen athlete, she was captain of her high school’s team. Tragically, in May 2013, 17-year-old Rowan died as the result of head injuries she sustained while playing rugby. Leading up to that day, Rowan suspected something wasn’t right. Previous concussions went unreported, and she continued to play. When she was hit again in her final game, the third time in six days, Rowan suffered what is known as Second Impact Syndrome - a catastrophic swelling caused by a second injury to a brain still healing from previous trauma. Rowan collapsed on the field on May 8, 2013 and died four days later.

In 2015, a coroner’s inquest into Rowan’s death made 49 recommendations on how governments, school boards and sports organizations could improve concussion management. This paved the way for Ontario to become the first province to implement provincial concussion legislation. To further to improve concussion education and awareness, Rowan’s Law Day was established in 2018. 

This year, Rowan’s Law Day also coincides with Concussion Awareness Week. Concussion awareness week will be held across Canada from September 24 through September 30, 2023.

Concussions don’t only happen at play - they can also occur with a fall or a collision. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms. If you suspect a concussion, get checked by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner. To properly recover from a concussion, follow Return-to-Learn, Return-to-Play and Return-to-Work guidelines.

Concussion Awareness Week and Rowan’s Law Day are a great time to learn more about concussions: it’s not just a bump on the head.  

For more information, please visit: york.ca/concussion