Every March, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) leads the nation in recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge and support the millions of Americans impacted by brain injury. The theme for the 2017 awareness campaign is “Not Alone.”
More than 2.5 million people sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the United States every year, and an additional 1 million face the effects of non-traumatic brain injuries, like stroke. Estimates indicate that 5.3 million Americans live with brain injury-related disabilities at a cost exceeding $82 billion annually.
“People living with brain injuries want the same things we all want – a good job, someone to love, a comfortable home, and fun in their lives,” commented Susan H. Connors, President and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America. “They want to be defined by who they are as people, not by their injuries.”
The Not Alone campaign provides a platform for educating the general public about the incidence of brain injury and the needs of people with brain injuries and their families. The campaign also encourages outreach to de-stigmatize the injury, empower those who have survived, and promote the many types of support that are available. Information on Brain Injury Awareness Month is available at biausa.org.
The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, co-chaired by Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J.) and Rep. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.), has designated March 22, 2017, as Brain Injury Awareness Day. on Capitol Hill. This day provides an opportunity for advocates from around the country to network and discuss key issues surrounding brain injury.
In our personal injury work, Burnett & Williams has successfully represented clients with Traumatic Brain Injury. We are sensitive to the challenges involved in adapting to TBI, and the longterm needs that insurance companies are often reluctant to provide for. If you have a TBI case that you need assistance with, please give us a call for a no-fee consultation, 800-969-1650.