Submitted by the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington.

This March, in recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington joins a nationwide network of state brain injury organizations with the United States Brain Injury Alliance to spread the word and raise awareness about brain injury prevention, recognition, and response.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury each year. Of those individuals, 52,000 die, 275,000 are hospitalized, and 1.4 million are treated and released from the emergency department.

“BIAWA is working towards a world where brain injury is prevented, and every person already affected by its impacts benefit from resources to maximize their quality of life,” states Becky Minaglia, BIAWA Board President. “Our mission is to increase public awareness, support, and hope for those affected by brain injury through education, assistance, and advocacy. Brain injury is the number one cause of both death and disability for most ages, including youth.”

Brain injury has been called the “silent epidemic” because public recognition of brain injury is extremely low despite the staggering number of people who are injured each year. The effects of brain injury– physical impairment, cognitive deficits, behavioral issues – have a far-reaching impact on survivors’ quality of life. 2020 helped shine a light on brain injury with terms like COVID long-haulers and brain fog.

The long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the brain are yet to be fully understood. But one thing is certain: BIAWA is available to help connect and provide support, resources, and education to individuals and families impacted by brain injury.

To find out more about Brain Injury, find resources, or learn how you can get involved, visit biawa.org or call 877-982-4292.