Brain Injury Awareness Month

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has once again declared March as Brain Injury Awareness Month. Following on the success of last year's proclamation, the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is ramping up its efforts to spread awareness of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), frequently referred to as a "silent epidemic."

This year, the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota will be focusing its awareness efforts on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's national initiative "Help Seniors Live Better Longer: Prevent Brain Injury."

Falls are the number one cause of brain injury among people over the age of 75, an age group that also has the highest rate of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths. Minnesota in particular has a high number of fall-related TBIs in the senior population.

About Brain Injury

Brain Injury Awareness Events

There are many events taking place in March to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of brain injury in Minnesota:

  • The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is pleased to announce that WCCO TV will be recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month with a special broadcast feature.  Dennis Douda, WCCO anchor and health reporter, will host the segment which includes interviews with board member, Dr. Andrew Kiragu, (HCMC), Association Executive Director Ardis Sandstrom and the Keaton Bowden family.

    Along with the segment, the Association will be represented with our first phone bank (during the entire newscast) staffed by Association staff plus medical personnel, Kristin Ryan, Psychologist (South Metro Human Services); Robert Karol Ph.D., L.P. (Bethesda Hospital); Kenneth Britton, D.O. (Bethesda Hospital), and Patty White, O.T. (HCMC). Viewers will be able to call in and speak directly with individuals knowledgeable in brain injury.
    What: WCCO TV brain injury feature and phone bank
    When: Monday, March 17, during the entire 10 p.m. newscast

    • Media Coverage
      • KDJZ-HD - Sunday, March 2 at 6 a.m. - "Northern Lights Community Affairs Show." Interview with Dr. Erwin Conception, Ardis Sandstrom and Pat Marciniak.
      • WLTE - Sunday, March 2 at 7 a.m. - Rebroadcast of the "Northern Lights Community Affairs Show"
      • KFAN and KFXM - March 5-8 - Prevention and awareness messages will be aired during the Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament and Championship games.
      • WCCO TV - March 6-12 - WCCO will be airing 30-second commercials about the Association.
      • KTLK - March 10-28 - Recorded spots about brain injury, a live read from Dan Conry and a brain injury awareness quiz.

    • Minnesota Wild - The Minnesota Wild has selected the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota as their March Charity of the Month. During the Wild's game on March 9, a 60-second video presentation about the Association will be played, as well as an arena public service announcement about the Association. Association materials will also be available in their community booth at the Xcel Energy Center.

    • Access Press - The March issue of Access Press will include a full-page feature with articles from the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota, along with an ad about brain injury.

    • Minnesota Health Care News - The March edition of Minnesota Health Care News will feature an ad about brain injury

    Are you planning an event that's raising awareness about brain injury in March? Please let us know!

    What You Can Do:

    • Learn More about brain injury causes and effects
    • Stay Informed - sign up to receive more information about brain injury and support services
    • Volunteer your time to support persons affected by brain injury
    • Become an Advocate for persons affected by brain injury
    • Become a Member of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota and show your commitment to our mission
    • Donate to the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota