[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 110 (Thursday, July 21, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S4808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 236--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2011 AS NATIONAL SPINAL 
                      CORD INJURY AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. Nelson of Florida) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 236

       Whereas the estimated 1,275,000 people in the United States 
     who live with a spinal cord injury cost society billions of 
     dollars in health care costs and lost wages;
       Whereas an estimated 100,000 of those individuals living 
     with a spinal cord injury are veterans who suffered the 
     spinal cord injury while serving as members of the United 
     States Armed Forces;
       Whereas accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord 
     injuries;
       Whereas motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause 
     of spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries;
       Whereas 70 percent of all spinal cord injuries that occur 
     in children under the age of 18 are a result of motor vehicle 
     accidents;
       Whereas every 48 seconds a person will become paralyzed, 
     underscoring the urgent need to develop new neuroprotection, 
     pharmacological, and regeneration treatments to reduce, 
     prevent, and reverse paralysis; and
       Whereas increased education and investment in research are 
     key factors in improving outcomes for victims of spinal cord 
     injuries, improving the quality of life of victims, and 
     ultimately curing paralysis: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 2011 as Spinal Cord Injury 
     Awareness Month;
       (2) supports the goals and ideals of Spinal Cord Injury 
     Awareness Month;
       (3) continues to support research to find better 
     treatments, therapies, and a cure for paralysis;
       (4) supports clinical trials for new therapies that offer 
     promise and hope to those persons living with paralysis; and
       (5) commends the dedication of local, regional, and 
     national organizations, researchers, doctors, volunteers, and 
     people across the United States that are working to improve 
     the quality of life of persons living with paralysis and 
     their families.

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