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Spring isn't the only thing on the way. Thanks to the folks at the Brain Injury Association of America, March also brings an increased awareness of the issues, struggles and successes surrounding traumatic brain injury.
March is the official month for drawing attention to the statistics surrounding brain injury, and highlighting the stories of those who have sustained brain trauma. So... Happy Brain Injury Awareness Month!
This occasion was officially established in Virginia only last year, when Gov. Robert F. McDonnell signed a proclamation recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month on behalf of the state. In the words of his proclamation, March is a time to “encourage awareness of the extent, causes, consequences, treatment and prevention of TBI.”
Building Awareness
Despite its prevalence in our society, the statistics on brain injury go largely unknown to many. Brain trauma has been called the “silent epidemic” because so few people know what constitutes a brain injury or what they should do when it occurs.
For instance, did you know that 1.7 million Americans will sustain some kind of brain injury this year? And that 475,000 of them are children?
Or that 5.3 million Americans live with long-term disabilities as the result of inadequately treated brain injuries?
Bringing it a little closer to home, it's been reported that 28,000 residents of the state of Virginia experience brain trauma each year. Of this number, more than 1,400 die and another 5,000 are hospitalized. Nearly 190,000 Virginians are currently disabled by a brain injury.
The Real Reasons
The Brain Injury Association of America held a public event in Washington, D.C. for the purpose of spreading awareness among the public, as well as to brief Congress on the statistics and concerns surrounding brain injury nationally.
For our part, we're very proud of Virginia for joining the movement by recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month. This year, several more states have joined the movement, including South Dakota, Minnesota and Montana. Many of these states are holding fundraisers and other events to bring awareness to brain injury and raise support for citizens affected by it.
We're very grateful for their partnership. More support in the fight against ignorance and inadequate response toward brain injury means that more people can get the help they need.
In the words of Brain Injury Association of America president Susan H. Connors:
“Brain Injury Awareness Month honors the millions of survivors, who with proper acute care, therapeutic rehabilitation and adequate long-term supports, are living with brain injury every day.”
You can learn more about Brain Injury Awareness Month at BIAUSA.org.
Let Us Help You
If you or a loved one are facing the struggles of brain injury, you're not alone. Contact the Brain Injury Law Center today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Learn about your rights, and let us help you get the resources that you deserve to help you recover. Call or fill out the form on the left side of this page.
