WHEREAS, every year traumatic brain injuries occur in the lives of more than 1.7 million Americans, and many have suffered lifelong disabilities; and
WHEREAS, damage to the brain can result from a multitude of causes including falls, motor vehicle or sport accidents, stroke, assault, and other trauma that can affect a person cognitively, physically, emotionally, and behaviorally; and
WHEREAS, the consequences of an injury to the brain can include short and long-term memory loss, double or low-vision, headaches or migraines, fatigue, increased anxiety, depression, mood swings, and impulsive behavior; and
WHEREAS, this year, an estimated 800 Alaskans will be hospitalized and 150 will die because of a traumatic brain injury. In addition, an estimated 247 Alaskans will be permanently disabled due to a brain injury; leaving Alaska with the highest rate of traumatic brain injury in the nation; and
WHEREAS, public awareness of the impact, consequences, and causes of brain injury is essential to the prevention of these injuries.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim March 2022 as:
Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month
in Alaska, and encourage everyone to recognize those impacted by brain injuries and to continue to improve efforts for, and knowledge of, the prevention and treatment of brain injury.
Dated: March 1, 2022
