The Elijah Gorham Act (SB 638)

Public Schools - Student Athletics - Requirements and Reports

The Elijah Gorham Act honors the memory of Elijah Gorham, a 17-year-old Baltimore City student-athlete who tragically passed away on October 11, 2021, after suffering a brain injury during a football game. This critical legislation passed unanimously in the Senate EHEA Committee and on the Senate floor.

A Call to Protect Our Student-Athletes

The Elijah Gorham Act is inspired by the heartbreaking stories of young Maryland athletes like Jordan McNair (19 years old), Marquese Meadow (18 years old), and Elijah Gorham (17 years old)—all of whom lost their lives while pursuing the sports they loved. Their tragic losses highlight the urgent need for stronger protections and emergency protocols in schools to prevent future tragedies.

Statistics reveal the significant risks student-athletes face:

  • 90% of student-athletes report experiencing a sports-related injury.
  • 54% have played while injured.
  • 12% report sustaining concussions or head injuries.
    Between 2008 and 2018, there were 470 youth sports-related fatalities in the U.S.

Key Components of the Elijah Gorham Act

SB 638/HB 836 aims to ensure that schools are fully prepared to handle sports-related emergencies. The bill includes several essential requirements for schools:

Venue-Specific Emergency Action Plans

 

  • High schools and middle schools must develop and rehearse emergency plans specific to their venues.
  • These plans must be shared with student-athletes, families, and the school community.

 

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Cold Water Immersion (CWI) Equipment

AEDs and CWI equipment must be on-site and within close proximity at all school-sponsored practices and events.

Coach Training

 

  • Coaches must be trained twice a year on using AEDs and facilitating CWI.
  • A trained coach must always be present at practices and events.

 

Quick Access to AEDs

AEDs must be available within a 3-minute walk of athletic activities on school property.

Accountability and Reporting

Each county board of education must report the following to the Maryland State Department of Education:

1. The number and locations of AED and CWI equipment.

2. A roster of individuals trained in AED and CWI use.

3. Compliance with heat acclimatization safety standards.

Why This Matters

Emergency action plans and proper equipment save lives. By ensuring schools are equipped and prepared, this legislation reduces the risk of preventable injuries and fatalities. The Elijah Gorham Act is a vital step toward keeping Maryland’s student-athletes safe on and off the field.

Together, we can protect the health and well-being of our young athletes.