Each year, March is recognized nationally as Brain Injury Awareness Month and is a time to acknowledge and support the millions of Americans affected by brain injury. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, every year, at least 2.8 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury. While many people go on to make a full recovery, there are more than five million people in the U.S. living with a permanent brain injury-related disability – that’s one in 60 Americans.
Brain injury is often called a silent epidemic because many of the problems that result from a brain injury are not always readily apparent and frequently not identified. If you or someone you know experiences an impact to the head and develops any symptoms of brain injury, seek medical advice even if symptoms seem mild.
The North Dakota Brain Injury Network, funded through the North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Behavioral Health Division, offers several programs that can help brain injury survivors, family members, professionals, caregivers, and friends. Contact North Dakota Brain Injury Network toll free at (855) 866-1884 or complete a client referral here: www.ndbin.org/client-referral.
This work aligns to the HHS strategic priorities of supporting the advancement of strong, stable, healthy families and communities as well as advancing the foundations of well-being through access to high-quality services and supports closer to home.
The North Dakota Brain Injury Network is hosting the annual Mind Matters Conference on March 21 and 22 in Fargo, North Dakota. This two-day conference highlights new research, trends, practice strategies, and collaborative models of care. Visit www.ndbin.org/events/mind-matters for more information and to register.
Gov. Doug Burgum issued a proclamation to declare March 2024 as Brain Injury Awareness Month: https://www.governor.nd.gov/proclamations