WYTHEVILLE, Va. – Wythe County will be hosting a free concussion education workshop for parents of youth football players next week, part of the county’s ongoing efforts aimed at making youth sports as safe as possible.

The informational seminar, which will be held at Wytheville Community College (Grayson Hall – Room 219), is slated to begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25.

Kevin Williams, Wythe County’s director of parks & recreation, says the free event is part of a greater countywide initiative intended to minimize concussions and their consequences.

“Earlier this summer, the county held two separate concussion workshops for coaches and referees. At these events, local health officials discussed best practices in preventing concussions, as well as what to do in the event of a player showing warning signs of brain injury,” said Williams.

Scotty Vaught, who serves as Wythe County’s youth sports coordinator, has watched two generations pass through the county’s rec-league.

“Once concussions became a major topic on the national level, local sports officials began learning more about the long-term effects of head injuries,” stated Vaught, adding, “One result of our studies was to share the information we gathered with parents.”

The youth football league provided each child and parent with concussion literature at the time of registration this year, requiring each parent to read the publication with their child.

“Knowledge is power when it comes to preventing tragedy. By getting this information out there to as many people as possible, we believe that we’re doing our job in keeping kids safe,” said Vaught.

Monday’s concussion workshop will be taught by Traci Roberts, regional director of operations for Heartland Rehabilitation Services and is open free of charge to parents of youth football players in Wythe and Bland counties. Individuals desiring more information about the event are encouraged to call: (276) 223-4519.

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