HealthNews Salutes: The Brain Injury Association of America

In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month, HealthNews gives the nod to the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), a nonprofit organization representing individuals, families and professionals who are touched by a life-altering, often devastating, traumatic brain injury, BIAA provides information, education and support to assist Americans currently living with traumatic brain injury and their families. The BIAA estimates that there are over 5.3 million Americans living with a disability caused by an injury to the brain and that the costs of such injuries maintained over a lifetime exceeded $60 billion, according to the totals from the year 2000.

Traumatic brain injury occurs approximately every 23 seconds and almost 1.5 million Americans will endure one over the next year. In addition, the current and recent battles overseas have left many of our brave soldiers battling issues related to brain injury. To this end, the BIAA successfully lobbied for the Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act, which was incorporated into and enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008. This landmark legislation established the Defense Center of Excellence on TBI and Psychological Stress, mandates pre and post-deployment testing, extends coverage periods for military health insurance beneficiaries, and allows the VA to contract with civilian entities for hospital care and medical services.

Athletes—both children and adults alike—are also at significant risk for head trauma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year between 1.6 and 3.8 million concussions happen as a result of recreation and sports-related incidents. The most common activities in which children ages 5 to 18 often receive concussions are: playground structure activities, bicycling, basketball, soccer, and football. So be vigilant and never ignore a blow to the head.

Kudos to the Brain Injury Association of America, for the work they do in the legislative arena, supporting research, and providing resources for Americans and their families.

If you or someone you love has sustained a brain injury, please call the Brain Injury Association of America at 1.800. 444.6443 for information and resources or visit www.biausa.org.