[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 31, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S6133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 211--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2013 AS ``NATIONAL SPINAL 
                     CORD INJURY AWARENESS MONTH''

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

                              S. Res. 211

       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 people are veterans 
     who suffered the spinal cord injury while serving as members 
     of the Armed Forces of the United States;
       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 2013 as ``National Spinal Cord 
     Injury Awareness Month'';
       (2) supports the goals and ideals of National 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.

                          ____________________