WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) introduced the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act in the United States House of Representatives. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) simultaneously introduced the companion legislation in the United States Senate, with Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) as an original cosponsor. This legislation will serve as a lifeline for student athletes and requires college and high school athletic programs to implement heat illness emergency action plans (EAPs) in consultation with local emergency responders, including the operation and use of cold-water immersion equipment.
This legislation honors Jordan McNair, who was a freshman on the University of Maryland football team when he collapsed during practice on May 29, 2018 due to heatstroke. Roughly 90 minutes passed before McNair arrived at a nearby hospital in critical condition. He was then airlifted to the University of Maryland Medical Center Shock Trauma Center to receive an emergency liver transplant, but tragically died 2 weeks later.
"Some of my fondest childhood memories were on the field playing football and Little League Baseball. Yet, for too many young athletes, these experiences turn into traumatic ones as they mourn the loss of their teammates—like Jordan McNair," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "However, these deaths are preventable—and through legislation like the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act, we can ensure that parents and players alike can have the peace of mind that their health is accounted for during their journey in collegiate and high school sports. I am grateful for Senator Alsobrooks' co-leadership on this legislation, and for her work in the U.S. Senate to help get this done," he concluded.
“It is long past time that we pass the Jordan McNair Act and finally ensure student athletes are protected, and college athletic programs implement heat illness emergency action plans and coordinate with local emergency responders.” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks. “Jordan McNair would be 26 today. We must honor his memory by getting this legislation passed.” she finished.
“I fully support the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act, because it’s a critical step toward protecting student-athletes from a 100% preventable tragedy.” said Martin McNair, Jordan’s father. “This legislation will set lifesaving safety standards for both high school and college sports programs. As a father who lost his son to heat stroke, I know firsthand the cost of inaction. It’s time we make athlete safety non-negotiable.” Mr. McNair concluded.
"Jordan McNair's death was a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy. In honor of his memory, we're working with his family to ensure college, university, and high school athletic programs are prepared to effectively recognize and quickly address heat-related illnesses." said Senator Chris Van Hollen. "While I know the McNair family's hearts will never fully heal, I am inspired that they have channeled their pain into purpose — together we will keep working to safeguard student athletes' health and prevent others from facing the same unthinkable loss that they have." he concluded.
“The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is proud to support the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act and applauds Congressman Kweisi Mfume for his leadership in prioritizing the health and safety of student athletes." said NATA President AJ Duffy III, MS, ATC, PT. "As the first line of defense in recognizing and responding to injuries and emergencies, athletic trainers understand the life-threatening risks posed by heat-related illnesses. While not every athlete has access to a certified athletic trainer, the implementation of emergency action plans ensures that critical, lifesaving protocols are in place when every second counts. These plans are essential tools that help protect young athletes and can truly mean the difference between life and death.” he finished.
An investigation conducted immediately after Jordan McNair's death showed the athletic staff did not take aggressive measures to lower his body temperature.
The Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act will ensure high school and college athletic programs have heat emergency plans in action as well as cold-water immersion equipment so preventable tragedies like Jordan's and the story of so many other student athletes won't happen again. The legislation is endorsed by The Jordan McNair Foundation and the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
More Information on Jordan McNair
- Jordan McNair was a freshman offensive lineman on the University of Maryland's football team in 2018. On May 29, 2018, Jordan was taking a conditioning test that required 10 sets of 110-yard sprints. Jordan appeared to show signs of exhaustion during the sets of sprints. Jordan collapsed and was taken to the hospital before passing away two weeks later due to exertional heatstroke.
- Jordan was demonstrating signs of an exertional heatstroke before he completed the sprints, but he was not treated with the care required to save his life. An hour passed before a trainer called 911, even after Jordan initially started showing symptoms.
- Some report that University staff failed to see initial signs that Jordan was suffering from a heat illness and not being treated properly. Those reports also suggest staff did not check his core temperature, did not have proper cooling devices, and did not give emergency responders suitable directions to their location.
- Dr. Rod Walters, a former college athletic trainer and a sports medicine consultant, led an investigation launched by the University. He concluded there was roughly 1 hour, 39 minutes between when McNair collapsed and the departure of his ambulance from campus.
- The University of Maryland has taken subsequent steps to prevent and treat heat-related injuries among their student athletes: making cold water immersion tubs available at every practice and game, installing and maintaining readily accessible automatic defibrillators in every venue, increasing the number of doctors and trainers at practices and games, providing more recovery breaks, and increasing the training and reporting structure of athletic trainers, among other reforms in line with the priorities of this legislation.
Click Here to access the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act bill text.
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