Floor Statement on National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month

Mr. (Madam) Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of this resolution to express the need for increased public awareness of Traumatic Brain Injury and to designate March as National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. 

For the past four years I have been honored to Co-Chair the Congressional Traumatic Brain Injury Taskforce with my good friend Representative Bill Pascrell of New Jersey.  Together we have worked to increase awareness of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which many people do not realize is the leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults in the United States. 

Mr. Speaker, this year alone, over 1.4 million people will sustain a traumatic brain injury.  Sadly, at least 80,000 of those individuals will remain permanently disabled from the trauma. 

Falls, motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries, and violence are among the major causes of TBI, leaving every individual susceptible.  Additionally, TBIs can manifest themselves in various ways, from a small behavioral change to complete physical disability, and even death. Brain injuries affect the whole family emotionally and financially, often resulting in huge medical and rehabilitation expenses. 

The recent tragic death of Natasha Richardson only amplifies the importance of bringing awareness to this issue.  Because Richardson appeared to be unaffected immediately after a skiing accident in which she hit her head, she declined medical treatment.  Unfortunately, only hours later, after experiencing a severe headache she was admitted to the hospital, lapsed into a coma, and ultimately died.  Tragedies such as these happen every day and can often be prevented.

Finally, TBI has been named the “signature wound” of the war in Iraq, with over 20% of our deployed men and women returning with this injury.  Thanks to the state-of-the-art body armor with which our men and women overseas are equipped, they are able to survive violent attacks, while still receiving a blunt force to the head.  Fortunately, in recent years Congress and the Administration have worked together to provide increased funding for military TBI screening and treatment programs; however, still more needs to be done.

Mr. Speaker, because all of our fellow citizens have family, friends and neighbors who could fall victim to TBI at any time, I urge support from my distinguished colleagues for this resolution here today.

Thank you.