Recognizing March 2021 as Brain Injury Awareness Month to increase understanding of chronic brain injury, reduce stigma, showcase the diversity of injury across demographics, and improve care and support.

WHEREAS, An acquired brain injury (ABI) occurs after birth and is not congenital, degenerative, or hereditary. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by trauma to the brain from an outside force. Concussion is a type of TBI that most often causes temporary effects, including headaches and problems with memory, balance, concentration, and coordination; and

WHEREAS, In the United States, about 5.3 million adults and children, or 1 in 60 people, live with a permanent brain injury. About 3.6 million people sustain an ABI each year, and about 2.8 million people sustain a TBI each year; and

WHEREAS, More than 210,000 children and adults in Pennsylvania are living with a disability due to TBI; and

WHEREAS, The leading causes of ABI are electric shock, infectious disease, tumors, lightning strikes, deprivation of oxygen, substance abuse, seizure disorder, toxic exposure, and stroke. The leading causes of TBI are falls, blows to the head, assaults, and vehicles; and

WHEREAS, There is no specific cure for concussions besides rest or rehabilitation, and for about 50% of people with a severe brain injury, brain surgery is necessary; and

WHEREAS, The theme for Brain Injury Awareness Month 2021 is #MoreThanMyBrainInjury to help educate others on what it’s like to live with a brain injury, reducing stigma, and increasing awareness of brain injuries; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges for students suffering from brain injuries. The collaboration required between teachers and families is inhibited by distance learning, and lack of daily structure can cause increased dysregulation and negative behaviors, further resulting in stress on the student and adult. Additionally, too much screen time results in eye strain, increased fatigue, and other symptoms that are amplified in persons with brain injuries; and

WHEREAS, The Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania’s mission is to provide education, advocacy, research, and support to improve the quality of life for those affected by brain injuries and their families, and have compiled lists of support groups in the Greater Philadelphia region; and

WHEREAS, Each year, Penn Medicine recognizes Brain Injury Awareness Month by hosting the Mind Your Brain conference for brain injury survivors, families, caregivers, and any other interested parties to connect with resources for recovery. This year, it will be held virtually on Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 9 AM to 4:15 PM; and

WHEREAS, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital of Jefferson Health is the Philadelphia region’s first rehabilitation hospital, and the nation’s first brain injury program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Magee hosts several brain injury support groups, including a peer mentoring program and a program for brain injury survivors to connect with each other; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes March 2021 as Brain Injury Awareness Month to increase understanding of chronic brain injury, reduce stigma, showcase the diversity of injury across demographics, and improve care and support.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine, and Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

End