[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 106 (Monday, July 16, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S5049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 521--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2012 AS ``NATIONAL SPINAL 
                     CORD INJURY AWARENESS MONTH''

  Mr. RUBIO submitted the following resolution; which was considered 
and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 521

       Whereas the estimated 1,275,000 individuals 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 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 minutes 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 2012 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 people living with paralysis and their 
     families.

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