By Sophia Miraggio, KION  | October 19, 2016

Salinas, Calif. – One in five high school athletes will sustain a concussion.

"I think that there’s a lot more kids, athletes, competing in sports," said Natividad Medical Center Dr. Debi Siljander.

However, more athletes means more concussions.

"They definitely are on the rise if you look at the statistics,” said Siljander.

Which is why the Natividad Trauma Center is launching a Brain Smart Concussion Awareness Program.

"How do we know what concussions are? Coaches have been asking. Parents have been asking,” said Siljander.

Public meetings will be held throughout the community to spread awareness.

"Our goal is to make sure that everyone is aware of this. My mission is to prevent them. And if they do occur, make sure they are treated appropriately and the athletes get back to play as soon as possible," said Siljander.

Right now this program is only offered in Salinas, but they hope to hold meetings at other high schools on the Central Coast in the near future.

"There is things you need to do to allow that brain function to heal and come back to normal. And that’s why we’re focusing on this," said Siljander.

Upcoming concussion awareness meetings:

October 19th- 7 p.m. North Salinas High School

October 25th – 6 p.m. Palma High School

OCtober 25th – 7 p.m. Salinas High School