Over the past several years, the American public has become increasingly aware of the fact that traumatic brain injuries can be life-altering. Numerous legislative hearings, medical studies and sports-related scandals have opened the public’s eyes to the danger of brain injuries and to the importance of both diagnosing and treating these injuries properly.

However, it remains vitally important that education on this issue continues. While some Americans may be moved by the brain injuries plaguing veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, others may identify more strongly with the injured veteran players of the National Football League. While some Americans are more likely to seek diagnosis of a brain injury following a car accident, others may be more preoccupied with potential injuries which occur within their children’s sports leagues.

In an effort to continue expanding education and awareness on this important topic, March has been designated Brain Injury Awareness month. According to the LoveYourBrain Foundation, approximately 1.7 million Americans sustain traumatic brain injuries every year. Numerous events, educational campaigns and outreach efforts conducted this March will hopefully allow Americans to understand TBIs even better than they already do. In addition, these efforts will hopefully inspire researchers, medical professionals, sports professionals, the military, lawmakers, educators and parents to take an even greater interest in preventing these injuries and aiding those who are affected by them.

Just as October has become synonymous with breast cancer awareness, it seems that March is swiftly becoming linked to brain injury awareness. If you are concerned about this particular issue, please consider making a difference in your community this March by participating in a brain injury awareness event or campaign.

Source: Business Wire, “LoveYourBrain Kicks Off Brain Injury Awareness Month with National Fundraiser,” Feb. 27, 2015