Did you know that traumatic brain injury is the number one cause of death and disability in children, young adults and senior adults in the U.S. and that Mississippi is in the top five states per capita in numbers of brain injuries? Or that we are number four in strokes? Also, over 17,000 spinal cord injuries are sustained each year in the US, and, unfortunately, Mississippi ranks in the top 10 states per capita in SCI’s as well.
STATS: According to the CDC, approximately 2.8 million people sustain a TBI each year, and at least 13.5 million Americans are living with disabilities due to traumatic brain injury (TBI). People aged 75 and older had the highest numbers of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths, and males were nearly two times more likely to be hospitalized and three times more likely to die.
CAUSES: The leading cause of TBIs in 2019 was falls (40.5%), followed by being struck by or against (15.5%), and third was motor vehicle accidents (14.3%). People living in the south had the highest annual rates of TBI-related deaths compared to residents of other U.S. Census regions. Concussions, or mild TBIs, make up at least 75% of all TBIs, and even though most concussions are not life-threatening, they are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly. Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness and therefore, go unreported, which means that the true incidence of TBIs is much higher.
WHO WE ARE: The Brain Injury Association of Mississippi/United Spinal Association, Mississippi Chapter (BIAMS/USAMS) is the only nonprofit in our state focusing specifically on brain and spinal cord injury.
We navigate through what Mississippi has to offer and find resources in other states when necessary. We sponsor peer support groups for survivors and caregivers and provide recreational and social activities for TBI/SCI survivors and their families. We also spread awareness on issues such as concussions, ATV helmet safety, TBIs in the military and provide fall prevention classes to our senior adult population. Our 36 years of service has made us “The Voice of Brain Injury” in Mississippi, and by becoming the United Spinal Association, Mississippi Chapter in 2021, we have broadened our spinal cord injury presence and resources as well.
EVENTS: We host a symposium during March, which is Brain Injury Awareness Month, where we bring together brain and spinal cord injury medical professionals, survivors, caregivers and service providers for a daylong event to educate and encourage collaboration between the attendees.
On June 28, over 550 racers participated in our 12th Annual Race for Brain and Spinal Cord Injury “Dash ‘N Splash” at Old Trace Park in Ridgeland. The event is not only a fundraiser for the association but is also a recreational opportunity for our survivors and family members each year and lots of fun for everybody with watermelon, waterslides, and a giant water balloon bash!
Our fifth annual “NogginFeast: A Celebration for the Brain” is coming up on from 6-9 p.m. (5:30 p.m. – VIP access) October 13 at Renaissance at Colony Park. NogginFeast features over 30 award-winning local restaurants and vendors offering savory dishes, decadent desserts, and delightful drinks. The event will also have outstanding live music, a chance to win $5,000 in our drawdown and a salute to our military. Bring your friends, your date or make it a fun corporate outing. Ticket packages are available at www.msbraininjury.org.
Our mission is “to enhance the quality of life for survivors of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries and their families and to develop support programs designed to prevent such injuries.”
This mission is implemented through the goals of Support, Prevention, Advocacy, Education and Resource Information.
