Injury Concussion Awareness Recognition and Education (ICARE) Program Official Launch

The Middle East and North Africa Program for Advanced Injury Research (MENA PAIR) launched the ICARE program in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE), and the Order of Nurses on June 15, 2023. This initiative, founded after the tragic passing of Mateo Chouchani, a student who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) at school, aims to empower school nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively address injuries and concussions among students. It offers resources, protocols, and guidelines for the proper recognition and management of concussions within educational settings.

During the launch event, esteemed experts and key contributors convened to discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with injuries and concussions sustained by children at schools in Lebanon.

Dr. Samar Al-Hajj, Assistant Research Professor at the American University of Beirut and Director of MENA PAIR, presented an overview of the ICARE Program, underscoring the significance of implementing protocols and guidelines for recognizing and managing concussions among school students. Dr. Hani Mowafi, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Yale University and Director of MENA PAIR, provided an overview of MENA PAIR's objectives and emphasized how ICARE aligns with the program's aim to enhance the safety of children at schools.

Dr. Lina Choueiri, Deputy Provost of the American University of Beirut, reaffirmed the university's commitment to supporting the MENA PAIR program and the ICARE initiative and to prioritize students' safety and well-being. She emphasized AUB's dedication to fostering a safe and healthy educational environment in line with their core values of integrity, compassion, and excellence. Dr. Abla Mehio Sibai, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences-AUB, underscored the urgent need for comprehensive injury education at schools, emphasizing the importance of early detection and recognition of concussions to effectively address its short- and long-term impacts. Mr. Imad El Achkar, General Directorate, MEHE, acknowledged and praised the collaborative efforts between the ministry, MENA PAIR, AUB and commended the proactive approach of the ICARE Program in promoting the safety and well-being of children.

Dr. Shelina Babul, Clinical Professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Director of the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT) at the BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver Canada, joined the ICARE launch event and commended the collaboration between MENA PAIR and CATT through ICARE in their joint efforts to control concussions and educate the community.

Mrs. Grace Chouchani, mother of Mateo Chouchani, expressed her gratitude for the establishment of the ICARE Program in memory of her son. Despite her profound sadness over his loss, she expressed hope that the program would successfully fulfill its mission and save lives.

The event was attended by faculty members, Mateo's family and friends, representatives from Mateo's school, representatives from the Order of Nurses, and MENA PAIR staff and trainees.

Following the launch, a networking reception provided an opportunity for participants to connect and engage further.