Area residents and student athletes may want to attend a free seminar on sports concussion awareness, management and safe return to play.

The seminar will be held on Friday at the Commonwealth Medical College, 525 Pine Street, Scranton. Registration/reception will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the lecture at 5:30 p.m.Michael Collins, Ph.D., director of the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, will conduct the seminar and present important information to team physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, registered nurses, certified nurse practitioners, coaches, athletes, parents and individuals who want to learn more about sports concussions.At that time, Collins, a nationally renowned authority on sports concussion, will share what they will need to know about sports concussions, such as testing, treatment, and return to play criteria. He will also discuss the various signs, symptoms and proper management of the injury.Collins, who sees dozens of high school athletes on a daily basis at the UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program, helps them to safely return to play after they've sustained a concussion.His clinic also regularly attracts professional and college athletes who travel from around the world to seek comprehensive concussion care.Sports concussions are a common and potentially serious injury for athletes, that, if not managed properly, can have devastating long-term effects.Sponsored by Scranton Orthopedic Specialists, the seminar is free to attend. Space is limited, and those interested in attending should contact Mark Lombardi at (570) 307-1769.