Brain Injury Awareness Month March 2020 Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Neurology
Brain Injury Awareness Month March 2020
Whether you wear a ribbon or participate in a run/walk, here’s how to take part in Brain Injury Awareness Month in March. By Valencia HigueraReviewed: March 12, 2020Fact-CheckedThe campaign distinguishes between traumatic brain injury (green) and all other types (blue).iStockEach year 2.5 million people experience a traumatic brain injury, with about 80,000 of these people becoming permanently disabled, reports the Brain Trauma Foundation (BTF). (1) A brain injury can change how someone acts and thinks. This is a huge adjustment for the person and their loved ones, hence the importance of bringing awareness to these injuries. (2) March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a month-long campaign led by the Brain Injury Association of America. The goal of this year’s “Change Your Mind” campaign isn’t only to empower those affected by brain injury. (3) The campaign also hopes to remove the stigma surrounding brain injuries.Similar to other awareness months, the campaign has dedicated colors: green for traumatic brain injuries and blue for all brain injuries. (4) Brain Injury Awareness Day
The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force will travel to Capitol Hill on March 4, which is Brain Injury Awareness Day. There they’ll host several events. This includes the Brain Injury Awareness Fair, a briefing on how to improve brain function after injury, and a reception. (5) This day takes place each year. To participate, email or write your state legislator and encourage them to attend the event. You can also petition your representatives to plan statewide events to increase public awareness on Brain Injury Awareness Day. Annual Community Walks and Runs in Support of Brain Injury Awareness Month
Several states and cities throughout the nation will host Brain Injury Awareness community walks and runs in the month of March. Community events in the United States include:Survive HeadstrongBreakthrough for Brain TumorsBrain Injury Awareness 5K Run and 1 Mile Family Walk Survive Headstrong
This walk led by the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation is scheduled to take place on March 21, 2020. The purpose of the walk is to increase public education about and improve the lives of those living with brain injuries. (6) Breakthrough for Brain Tumors
This run/walk will be held on March 21, 2020, in Tampa Bay. It is organized by the American Brain Tumor Association, which has raised more than $500,000 toward research grants. (7) In addition to the organization’s regular runs and walks, they’ll host their first Kids Fun Run for children ages 2 to 10 in 2020. Funds raised from this run will go toward pediatric brain tumor research. (7) Brain Injury Awareness 5K Run and 1 Mile Family Walk
This 5K and 1 mile event will be held on March 22, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio, by the Buckeyes Raising Awareness in Neuroscience. The run raises funds for research, education, and patient care. Proceeds go to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for Brain Injury Treatment. (8) Along with these walks and runs being held in the month of March, you can participate in other brain injury events throughout the year. For example:Going the Distance for Brain Injury Memorial Day RunRun, Walk, and Roll for Brain Injury 2020Walk for Thought 2020 Conferences and Meetings on Brain Injury
Attending a conference or meeting on brain injury is an excellent way to learn about advances in treatment and research. Here are some conferences that will be held during March 2020. Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts 39th Annual Brain Injury Conference
The conference, held on March 25 and March 26, 2020, will discuss how brain injuries affect those living with them. It will include workshops, lectures, and information on the latest research. The conference will have an exhibit area providing resources and information on healthcare options. (9) Brain Injury Association of Maryland
The Brain Injury Association of Maryland will host its “Your Impact: Making the Invisible Visible Conference” March 26 and March 27, 2020. This conference will feature keynote addresses on traumatic brain injury, highlighting how it affects older individuals, as well as ways to cope after brain injury. (10) Other topics of discussion include being a caregiver, comas, rehabilitation, and even tips on how to travel after brain injury. The conference will have exhibits and information on the latest research and therapies. (10) Volunteering or Partnering With a Local Health Center
You might feel there’s little you can do to participate in Brain Injury Awareness Month. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Get involved by volunteering at a health center that cares for people with brain injuries, or an organization that supports brain injuries. For example, sign up to volunteer with the PALS Program through the Brain Injury Services and befriend someone living with a brain injury. The goal of this volunteer program is to help people with brain injuries regain their social skills and social confidence. (11) You can also help someone living with a brain injury develop their computer skills, or assist them with cooking and other everyday tasks. Some organizations that support people with brain injuries also need assistance with administrative work and fundraising events. (11) Organizations with volunteer opportunities include the Brain Injury Association of New York State, Bridges for Brain Injuries, and Brain Injury Peer Visitor. How to Spread Awareness About Brain Injuries
Here are a few tips to increase awareness and spread the word about brain injuries this March. 1 Share Hashtags on Social Media
If you have a social media account like Facebook or Twitter, retweet or post information on events related to brain injury awareness. Additionally, share these hashtags to start a conversation about brain injuries: #ChangeYourMind or #BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth. (3) 2 Wear Blue or Green Ribbons
Wear a blue or green ribbon on your clothes, or purchase Brain Injury Awareness Month apparel. (4) 3 Change Your Social Media Profile Frame or Picture
Change your social media profile frame to one associated with Brain Injury Awareness Month. Or if you know someone living with a brain injury, change your profile picture to their picture for the month of March. 4 Get Political
Advocate for those with brain injuries during the month of March by contacting your state representative. Ask them to support bills that allow people with brain injuries to have better access to healthcare services. For example, you can ask your representative to remove limits on covered medical services. Share Your Story and Tips About Living With Brain Injury
A brain injury is traumatizing, but opening up and sharing your experience can be a source of encouragement and support. Traumatic Brain Injury Blog
The Traumatic Brain Injury Blog is written by Bob Luce. He educates the public on how brain injuries impact those affected and their loved ones. He provides a wealth of helpful information related to research, rehabilitation, therapies, and other resources. David s Traumatic Brain Injury Blog
This blog follows David, who was left with a brain injury after a bike accident. This blog allows readers to learn about brain injury through the eyes and perspective of someone living with it every day. David is candid about his struggles, as well as how he copes. He also provides practical information about staying healthy after brain injury and dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. Share Your Own Story
Maybe you have unique tips and advice for living with a brain injury. If so, your voice can be an invaluable resource to others, too. Join community forums and tell your story or ask questions. Contact organizations that support brain injuries, and offer to be a guest speaker at an event. You can even create a video series about your recovery and share it across social media. RELATED: The 10 Most Inspiring Instagram Accounts for Brain Injury Survivors Getting Involved in Research Studies and Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are studies that help researchers and scientists develop new therapies and treatments for conditions. (12) You might be eligible to participate in a clinical trial for brain injury. Ask your doctor about upcoming trials to see if you’re an ideal candidate. To find clinical trials on brain injury, visit CenterWatch, ClinicalTrials.gov, or the National Institutes of Health. Sharing Resources to Help People With Brain Injuries
In addition to increasing awareness, you can participate in Brain Injury Awareness Month by sharing helpful resources with those affected. For example: ScholarshipsTerrill ScholarshipBrain Injury Association of Missouri Educational Scholarship Financial Assistance and Other ResourcesCompanions for HeroesCindy Donald Dreams of Recovery FoundationHelp Hope Live Online Support GroupsBrain Injury Recovery NetworkBrain Injury NetworkFamily Caregiver Alliance RELATED: 5 Ways That Support Groups Help TBI Survivors Final Word Other Ways to Take Action
Brain Injury Awareness Month happens only once a year, so do everything within your power to participate. If you don’t have a lot of free time, you can help by making a donation to a brain injury organization of your choice. Your donation can help support patient care, research, and education. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
Frequently Asked Questions. Brain Trauma Foundation.TBI: Get the Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 11, 2019.March Is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Brain Injury Association of America. March 14, 2018.What Color Is the Awareness Ribbon for Brain Injury? Brain Injury Association of America.Brain Injury Awareness Day. Brain Injury Association of America. March 4, 2020.Support San Diego Brain Injury Foundation. San Diego Brain Injury Foundation.Breakthrough for Brain Tumors Run & Walk. American Brain Tumor Association.Brain Injury Awareness 5K Run and 1 Mile Family Walk. Buckeyes Raising Awareness in Neuroscience.BIA-MA 39th Annual Brain Injury Conference (2020). Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts.Agenda (2020). Brain Injury Association of Maryland.Volunteer With Brain Injury Services. Brain Injury Services.What Are Clinical Trials and Studies? National Institute on Aging. May 17, 2017.Show LessNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter
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