While brain injuries are devastating to the victims, they also directly impact family members, co-workers, and the community at large. That’s why one week each year is set aside to highlight the importance of brain health and bring together victims of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to access new resources.
Brain Injury Awareness Week History and 2021 Highlights
Brain injury awareness week kicked off in the mid-90s by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives and continues today with the cooperation of groups like the CDC and the Brain Injury Association of America. Large organizations and small local groups taking part in the annual event specifically aim to:
- Advance research for treatment/therapies and one day find cures for specific diseases, disorders, and injuries.
- Release education initiatives about causes of brain injuries and warning signs of diseases.
- Provide prevention tips to reduce future TBIs from sports injuries, slip and falls, auto accidents, etc. while promoting overall brain health.
- Unite advocacy groups, government agencies, hospitals, research teams, schools, and universities in the U.S. and around the world towards common brain-health-focused goals.
The 2021 edition formally takes place from March 15-21, with lectures, exhibits, and competitions planned throughout the month. If you are interested in joining, there’s still time to put together activities for kids or adults in your community.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of the normal annual events have been scaled back or are moving to a virtual setting. This year’s brain injury awareness week is making its online presence known with the #MoreThanMyBrainInjury campaign. Anyone coping with the effects of a brain injury is invited to use the hashtag on social media to tell their story and raise recognition of the number of people living with TBIs.
Attending brain injury awareness week events and accessing online resources are great ways to learn about how you can specifically help support friends and loved ones. Aside from education opportunities, this is also a perfect week to advocate for your family members with TBIs and help them work towards the financial side of their recovery.
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