[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 178 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 178

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                        March 23, 2009.
Whereas traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability among 
        children and young adults in the United States;
Whereas at least 1.4 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury each 
        year;
Whereas each year, more than 125,000 of such Americans sustain permanent life-
        long disabilities from a traumatic brain injury, resulting in a life-
        altering experience that can include the most serious physical, 
        cognitive, and emotional impairments;
Whereas every 21 seconds, one person in the United States sustains a traumatic 
        brain injury;
Whereas at least 3.17 million Americans currently live with permanent 
        disabilities resulting from a traumatic brain injury;
Whereas traumatic brain injuries may have a life-altering impact on both 
        Americans living with resultant disabilities and their families;
Whereas concussions are serious injuries to the brain and multiple concussions 
        can lead to lifelong disability and death;
Whereas most cases of traumatic brain injury are preventable;
Whereas traumatic brain injuries cost the nation $60 billion annually;
Whereas the lack of public awareness is so vast that traumatic brain injury is 
        known in the disability community as the Nation's ``silent epidemic'';
Whereas traumatic brain injury is the signature wound of the global war on 
        terrorism as a result of roadside bombs and blasts;
Whereas the military personnel who have served in the Armed Forces of the United 
        States in such war and who return to the United States with traumatic 
        brain injuries will require additional Federal, State, and local 
        resources;
Whereas there is a need for enhanced public awareness of traumatic brain injury;
Whereas the designation of a National Brain Injury Awareness Month will work 
        toward enhancing public awareness of traumatic brain injury; and
Whereas the Brain Injury Association of America has recognized March as Brain 
        Injury Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of an appropriate month as National 
        Brain Injury Awareness Month; and
            (2) urges the President to issue a proclamation calling on the 
        people of the United States, Federal departments and agencies, States, 
        localities, organizations, and 

              
        media to annually observe a National Brain Injury Awareness Month with 
        appropriate ceremonies and activities.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.