For the past three decades, March has marked Brain Injury Awareness Month, which has been led by the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA). The “Change Your Mind” campaign brings together survivors and advocates of traumatic brain injuries to spread awareness, de-stigmatize the injury, promote the many types of support available, and educate others about this “invisible” illness.
In the US, there are around 2.87 million TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths annually, with over 800,000 of the health events among children, but countless more go unreported. Why? Most TBIs are mild in severity, commonly called concussions, which often go untreated.
A TBI refers to a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury, which can lead to short- or long-term changes that affect one’s thinking, sensation, language, or emotion. They can result from slips and falls, car accidents, workplace injuries, sports, and violent assault.
You may not personally know someone with a brain injury, especially since the signs are not always visible, but after understanding this silent disability better, you may be motivated to do something this March.
Get Involved with the Change Your Mind Campaign
Connect. In this digital age, one of the greatest ways to show your support for a cause is through social media. The BIAA created the #ChangeYourMind stamp to allow advocates to raise awareness. For March, change your profile picture to the stamp and engage with others online!
Support. Perhaps you’re not social media savvy and prefer to show support the old-fashioned way. Instead, you can download posters, flyers, graphics, and more to share within your community.
Share. If you are ready and willing, the BIAA provides a safe place where people can share their stories online for others to read and discuss.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury at the hands of a negligent entity, turn to Panio Law Offices. Our personal injury firm specializes in traumatic brain injuries, and we offer a wealth of experience in litigating these cases. Call us at (708) 928-8680 to schedule your free case review.