Brain injury awareness is key to protecting yourself
March is Brain Injury Awareness month, and this year Washington state celebrates 17 years of Traumatic Brain Injury support, research and advocacy through its Traumatic Brain Injury Council. With 25 members from the public and private sector, the TBI Council partners with and advises the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, and other agencies to:
- Spread awareness and education about TBI and prevention.
- Identify and advise on needs and gaps in TBI services, resources and programs.
- Create partnerships and coordinate across public/private sectors.
Brain Injury Awareness Month is the perfect time to spread awareness about screening and long-term support as brain injuries can often be prevented by:
- Protecting your head. Wear a helmet during activities such as biking or skateboarding.
- Wearing your seatbelt and not driving while impaired. Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of TBI, especially for teen drivers.
- Preventing falls. Falls are a leading cause of TBI for older adults. Keep your home safe from tripping hazards, be careful with medicines and check in with your doctor to evaluate your fall risk.
- Keeping kids safe. Safety at home can be window guards or safety gates. Helmets and proper gear are necessities on the sporting field. Attend an upcoming Safe Kids event.
- Screening is key. If you think you or someone you love has experienced a TBI, seek out proper screening from a medical professional.
- Joining a TBI Support Group to connect to educational resources, peer/community support and belonging. Washington state has free, online support groups.
Someone in the United States sustains a brain injury every nine seconds, with 176 TBI-related deaths every day.
Do you have a TBI? Call 2–1–1 and get connected to a highly trained community resource specialist who can listen to your story and refer you to the best TBI-related resources in your area. Learn more about WA 211 and TBI support.
