Brain injury has been an ongoing issue in America since its founding. Though federally honored, BIAM is still finding legislative recognition on the state level. For example, House Resolution 741 (HR 741), introduced by Pennsylvania’s Tina Pickett, was only introduced earlier this month and adopted (188-0) on March 14. A similar bill will soon be voted on in the PA Senate. (Though this marks the official recognition of the Month, the State has honored and provided education on brain injury at least since 2011.) In 2013, New Jersey officially recognized it as a month-long state observance, whereas legislators in Alaska were relatively early adopters, passing a law to recognize the Month back in the 2007 – 2008 Congressional year. (Some states still do not officially note Brain Injury Awareness Month. However, groups in these states, such as the BIAA, do provide events specifically designed for the Month.)
As for events, New York State, in Tonawanda, located near Niagara Falls, lights the City Hall blue for the entire month to show solidarity and the need for public education on brain injury. (Blue is the official color of Brain Injury Awareness Month, as designated by the Brain Injury Association of America.) On Brian Injury Advocacy Day, March 20, survivors/advocates met with members of the New York State Legislature to thank legislators for what they have done thus far and to teach them about the impact of brain injury, including how they can further help prevent it, as well as support those with brain injury. While some legislators may have been tempted by the promise of pie, Kansas legislators and lawmakers met at the Topeka State House on March 21 to learn more about brain injury. The Nebraska Brain Injury Advisory Council, which is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Education, launched a mobile-responsive website that, “presents resources and reference information for anyone affected to assist in navigating for the best possible outcome.”
The above is just a short representation of activities throughout the country related to Brain Injury Awareness Month. Please search online to find more past and upcoming local events.