CNS at the Global CTE Summit

Together, we are making California a safer place for every young athlete

In the world of policy change, a public announcement is often the culmination of months of quiet, strategic work. Last Monday, a significant moment for brain health in California, highlighted this very process, and the California Neurology Society was at its core.

At the prestigious Global CTE Summit organized by the Concussion and CTE Foundation, Assemblymember David Tangipa took the stage to announce he will introduce a resolution to encourage Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) education for youth sports coaches statewide. In his address, he credited and thanked the California Neurology Society for our essential advocacy. This recognition was an honor, and more importantly, a testament to the impact of our methodical engagement.

This announcement did not occur in a vacuum. It was the direct result of a proactive CNS initiative. Understanding the critical gap in coach education regarding CTE and traumatic brain injury prevention, we brought the issue directly to Assemblymember Tangipa’s office. We presented the compelling neurological evidence, outlined the tangible risks of unrecognized head trauma, and demonstrated how informed coaches are vital first-line defenders of young athletes' brain health. Persuaded by the argument and the data, the Assemblymember committed to authoring the resolution.

To solidify this commitment and connect him with global leaders in the field, we facilitated his participation in the Global CTE Summit. His announcement on that stage signals California’s growing leadership in addressing this urgent public health issue and marks a concrete victory in our mission to advance neurological care and champion patient rights.



This resolution represents a crucial foundational step. By formally encouraging CTE education, California can empower thousands of youth sports coaches with the knowledge to identify potential concussions, advocate for athlete safety, and foster a culture that prioritizes long-term brain health. It is a proactive measure to protect the neurological future of our children.

The work continues. The California Neurology Society will remain actively engaged with Assemblymember Tangipa’s office as the resolution is formally drafted and introduced in the State Assembly. We will leverage our expert membership to inform the educational components and rally support from across the medical and sports communities.

This achievement underscores a powerful truth: when neurologists and patient advocates engage directly with policymakers, we successfully translate medical evidence into life-saving policy. We extend our sincere gratitude to Assemblymember Tangipa for his leadership and partnership. Together, we are making California a safer place for every young athlete.

Selim Yilmaz
CNS Legislative Advocate

Major speaker at the global CTE Summit, Ann Mckee, MD, Neuropathologist, Neurologist, Researcher, DIRECTOR, BU CTE CENTER

Dr McKee defined the Stages of CTE now used globally by neuropathologists.