[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 160 (Wednesday, September 16, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5654-S5655]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 698--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2020 AS ``NATIONAL SPINAL 
                     CORD INJURY AWARENESS MONTH''

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

                              S. Res. 698

       Whereas approximately 294,000 individuals in the United 
     States live with spinal cord injuries, which cost society 
     billions of dollars in health care costs and lost wages;
       Whereas there are approximately 17,810 new spinal cord 
     injuries in the United States each year;
       Whereas more than 42,000 individuals with spinal cord 
     injuries are veterans;
       Whereas motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of 
     spinal cord injuries;
       Whereas nearly half of all spinal cord injuries to 
     individuals 30 years of age or younger occur as a result of 
     motor vehicle accidents;
       Whereas the average remaining years of life for individuals 
     living with spinal cord injuries has not improved 
     significantly since the 1980s;
       Whereas there is an 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 individuals living with 
     spinal cord injuries, enhancing the quality of life of 
     individuals with spinal cord injuries, and ultimately curing 
     paralysis: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 2020 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 spinal cord injuries;
       (4) supports clinical trials for new therapies that offer 
     promise and hope to individuals living with paralysis; and
       (5) commends the dedication of national, regional, and 
     local organizations, researchers, doctors, volunteers, and 
     people across the United States who are working to improve 
     the quality of life of individuals living with spinal cord 
     injuries and their families.

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