March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Did you know that every 9 seconds, someone in the United States sustains a brain injury? The lasting effects can be so severe they can impact a person’s mood, personality, career and ability to function independently. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) helps Arizonans with brain injuries complete their educational and employment goals to achieve self-sufficiency.

ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURIES

More than 3.5 million individuals sustain an acquired brain injury (ABI) each year from incidents including electric shock, near drowning, substance abuse/overdose, seizure disorder, and stroke. ABIs occur after birth and result in varying changes to the brain.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES

At least 2.8 million individuals sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) each year as a result of an external force which may include a fall, motor vehicle accident, assault, or other.

PREVENTING BRAIN INJURY

To reduce the instance of brain injury, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a seatbelt and never driving impaired. Children should be secured in rear-facing car seats until they are 4 years old or have reached the manufacturer's maximum weight recommendations. Children should wear helmets and well-fitted headgear while participating in activities including sports and bike riding, and safety gates should be installed to prevent children from entering dangerous areas. Older individuals should implement safety precautions to prevent falls including regular eye exams and medication reviews.

HELP US SPREAD AWARENESS

When a person sustains a brain injury their families and communities are also affected. Help us de-stigmatize this invisible disability by sharing #MoreThanMyBrainInjury on social media.

DES and its partners work year-round to educate the public about brain injuries and offer strategies to avoid them. If you or someone you know has sustained a brain injury, DES may be able to help. Please visit, www.AZDES.GOV/RSA for more information.

*Source: Brain Injury Association of America

UPDATED March 2023