Brain Safety Starts with YOU - Brain Injury Awareness Month 2018

Brain Safety Starts with YOU - Brain Injury Awareness Month 2018

Traumatic Brain Injuries, also known as TBIs, affect the lives of Americans nationwide. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data suggest that children and older adults (age 65 and older) are at greatest risk. Many traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, are preventable, and you can help. Join us in spreading the word about TBI and concussion prevention throughout the month of March. CDC supports Brain Injury Awareness Month (BIAM) with activities all month long:

• New Report to Congress - Be sure to read the recently released Report to Congress on The Management of TBI in Children, which details the impact a TBI can have on children and their families. This report also identifies gaps in care, provides opportunities for action to reduce the gaps through increased coordination and collaboration, and highlights key policy strategies to address the short- and long-term consequences of a TBI, which can last a lifetime.
• Facebook Live Ask the Experts Event, March 20, 2018 at 1:00pm. Simply visit CDC’s HEADS UP – Brain Injury Awareness Facebook page and post your questions in the comment section of the Facebook Live discussion thread. We will provide tips on how coaches, clinicians, and parents can get involved in brain injury awareness and support greater awareness in their communities. CDC’s expert panel looks forward to answering your questions about traumatic brain injury and concussion. Please note: CDC cannot provide individual or specific medical advice. It is important to talk with your doctor or nurse about any concerns you may have.
• Thunderclap: Join our social media Thunderclap for #BIAMonth to spread concussion and TBI awareness further, louder, and together. Bring awareness to kids and communities that #BrainSafety starts with YOU. Sign up here: http://bit.ly/BIAM2018
• Update Your Social Media Profile Picture: To increase awareness of brain injury, you can update your social media profile by adding CDC’s brain injury awareness Twibbon to your photo. Visit CDC’s HEADS UP – Brain Injury Awareness Facebook page to learn how to customize your Twitter and Facebook profile photos to support Brain Injury Awareness Month.
• Brain Injury Awareness Day – Did you know that March 20th is officially Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill? Spread the word, and support brain injury awareness!
• Research and Data - Visit CDC’s TBI Publications, Reports, and Fact Sheets web page to read about some of the latest research in the field. CDC’s research & programs work to prevent TBIs & help people recognize, respond, and recover if a TBI occurs. Follow on Facebook and Twitter to share the latest research, news, and updates about CDC brain injury research and programs.

More Ways to Spread the Word

• Visit www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP to learn more. Access and download materials and take trainings.
• Do you have young athletes in your life? Introduce them to Rocket Blades! This action-packed game takes kids on a futuristic racing adventure—while teaching the ins and outs of concussion safety. Now available on iOS/Apple, Android, and Amazon. Download CDC's HEADS UP Rocket Blades game app.
• Download the HEADS UP Concussion and Helmet Safety app.