SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Coaches, parents, school administrators, student athletes, and health care providers are all encouraged to attend one of two upcoming public forums about Nebraska’s new Concussion Awareness Act.

The law, which will take effect July 1, 2012, requires that all athletes with a suspected concussion be removed from play and not be allowed to return to play until cleared by a licensed health care professional.

Regional West Medical Center will host two presentations about the new law on Tuesday, January 31 and on Tuesday, February 7 at the Harms Advanced Technology Center in Scottsbluff. Both sessions will begin at 7 p.m. with a presentation by Air Link Chief Flight Nurse Tracy Meyer, RN, BSN, CFRN, NRP, and both will be followed by hour-long question and answer sessions. The forums will be free of charge and open to the public; no registration is required.

The Concussion Awareness Act affects all schools with athletes 19 years old or younger, and sports organizations including youth leagues and club sports. It requires that coaches receive training about concussions, that athletes with signs or symptoms of a concussion be removed from play, and that such students provide written clearance for return to play, signed by a licensed healthcare providers.

The presenter, Tracy Meyer, is an internationally known educator who has a passion for bringing the most current information to those who need it to improve health care at its most basic level. Her presentation “Is Your Head In It?” helps raise awareness about concussion injuries.

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, 95 percent of whom are board certified or board eligible, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.