Brain Injury Awareness Month in Northwest Florida: Advocate with Us!It’s with great appreciation that we extend a heartfelt welcome to Carrie Ditto Rayburn, CTRS, CBIS, a distinguished Board Director at Brain Injury Florida. Carrie has generously taken the time to share her invaluable insights and knowledge with us, focusing on the critical topic of brain injury awareness. Please join us in expressing our deepest gratitude for her contribution and for enlightening us with such crucial information.
We’re Excited About March!
This month marks Brain Injury Awareness Month, a critical time for raising awareness, sharing stories, and mobilizing resources to support those affected by brain injuries. In Northwest Florida, the community comes together to shed light on the challenges faced by brain injury survivors and to provide a platform for advocacy and support. To learn more, let’s delve into the history, statistics, and available resources related to brain injury within the region, and learn how we can all contribute to this vital cause.
The History of Brain Injury Awareness Month
Brain Injury Awareness Month was established to increase public awareness about the incidence of brain injury and the needs of people with brain injuries and their families. It is an initiative led by the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), which has been at the forefront of promoting brain injury prevention, research, treatment, and education.
Types of Brain Injury
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) refers to any injury to the brain that happens after birth. This includes both non-traumatic and traumatic causes. A non-traumatic brain injury is an insult to the brain that occurs from internal causes. Examples include stroke, brain tumors, aneurysms, infections, etc. A traumatic brain injury is caused by an external force. Traumatic injuries can then be defined by open – where the skull has been penetrated and closed – no penetration occurs. Whether we are talking about traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury, the long-term effects may be similar, resulting in cognitive, physical, behavior and emotional impairments that can alter the persons life moving forward.
The Reality in Numbers:
It is estimated that 899,924 people in the state of Florida are living with the effects of some type of Acquired Brain Injury. In Northwest Florida, as in the rest of the country, brain injuries are more common than most people realize. According to the Florida Department of Health:
• Each year, an estimated 210,000 Floridians experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Falls, motor vehicle accidents, and sports injuries are among the leading causes of TBI in the state.
• TBI is a contributing factor to a third (30.5%) of all injury-related deaths in Florida.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for awareness, prevention strategies, and support systems for those affected.
Resources in Northwest Florida
Fortunately, Northwest Florida boasts a range of resources designed to support brain injury survivors and their families. From rehabilitation services to support groups, the region is equipped to assist individuals in their recovery journey:
• Brain Injury Florida
A non-profit organization that represents and serves Floridians living with acquired brain injuries and their families by promoting effective awareness, education, outreach, support, prevention and advocacy. To learn more about Brain Injury Florida visit BrainInjuryFl.org. Recently, they’ve been making big moves to better support you all.
• Brain Injury Support Groups:
Various support groups throughout Northwest Florida offer a space for survivors and their families to share experiences, challenges, and triumphs. These groups can be invaluable sources of community and understanding.
How to Advocate and Support
Advocating for brain injury awareness involves both spreading the word and actively supporting survivors and research initiatives. Here’s how you can get involved:
• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about brain injuries, their impact, and prevention strategies. Share this knowledge with your community.
• Participate in Awareness Events: Join brain injury awareness events in Northwest Florida, such as walks, educational seminars, and fundraising activities.
UPCOMING EVENT:
Bowling for Brain Injury Awareness.
• Support Local Resources: Volunteer with or donate to organizations that support brain injury survivors. Your time and contributions can make a significant difference.
• Advocate for Policy Changes: Engage with local representatives to advocate for policies that improve brain injury care, rehabilitation services, and prevention efforts.
Share The Info
Brain Injury Awareness Month is a time for reflection, education, and action. In Northwest Florida, the community’s commitment to supporting brain injury survivors is evident through the wealth of resources and advocacy efforts available. By coming together to raise awareness and support those affected, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of brain injury survivors and their families. Join us in advocating for this important cause, not just in March, but throughout the year.
Carrie Ditto Rayburn, CTRS, CBIS
Board Director, Brain Injury Florida
Thank you, Carrie, for your commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by brain injuries.Her dedication to this cause is truly inspiring, and her efforts to enlighten our community on the complexities and impacts of brain injuries are immensely appreciated.
Dear Readers,
For today, if you get a chance, please visit the Brain Injury Florida page and stay up to date on all of their community events and recovery resources! I’m a huge fan and supporter of their mission and all the lovely people working hard behind the scenes to bring great resources to our community.
Sending Light, Love, And Levity to you all!
Namaste.
Meg