MARCH IS NATIONAL BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH
According to the CDC, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. In 2014, there were approximately 2.87 million TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the US, including over 837,000 of these health events among children
A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.”
What are the leading causes of TBI?
- In 2014, falls were the leading cause of TBI. Falls accounted for almost half (48%) of all TBI-related emergency department visits. Falls disproportionately affect children and older adults:
- Almost half (49%) of TBI-related ED visits among children 0 to 17 years were caused by falls.
- Four in five (81%) TBI-related ED visits in older adults aged 65 years and older were caused by falls
- Being struck by or against an object was the second leading cause of TBI-related ED visits, accounting for about 17% of all TBI-related ED visits in the United States in 2014.
- Over 1 in 4 (28%) TBI-related ED visits in children less than 17 years of age or less were caused by being struck by or against an object.
- Falls and motor vehicle crashes were the first and second leading causes of all TBI-related hospitalizations (52% and 20%, respectively).
- Intentional self-harm was the first leading cause of TBI-related deaths (33%) in 2014
Learn more about brain injuries at the Brain Injury Association of America by clicking here.
FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL BURN AWARENESS MONTH
Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season. Here are a few tips to stay safe:
-
- Working smoke alarms are especially important during a loss of power when people may use alternate forms of heating equipment, portable generators and candles.
- Never use candles for emergency lighting. Many things in your home can catch fire if they are too close to a candle’s flame.
- Use flashlights for emergency lighting and stock up on batteries.
- Have a qualified repair company or licensed electrician inspect water-damaged appliances and home wiring after a flood.
- Portable generators are useful during storms, but if not used safely, they can cause injury and death.
- Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your home.
- Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
- Fire Safety Checklist
- Facts About Fire (YouTube Video)
- Winter Fire Safety (YouTube Video)
JANUARY IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH
To report suspected Human Trafficking to Federal law enforcement contact 1-866-347-2423
Human Trafficking:
- Michigan Stats for 2019
- Human Trafficking Downloadable materials
- Human Trafficking awareness video
- Infographic (download or share to social media)
Intimate Partner Violence/Teen Dating Violence:
- Facts (YouTube video)
- Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Fact Sheet
- Preventing Teen Dating Violence Fact Sheet
SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
If you need help, call 9-1-1 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Emotional Well-being During the COVID-19 Outbreak
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Disaster Distress Helpline
Memorial Healthcare offers personalized programs and services focusing on behavioral health and mental wellness. Treatment is provided by psychiatrists, social workers, RN’s, mental health technicians and recreational therapists and is based on patient needs and goals. Treatment includes assessment, psychopharmacology, education, therapeutic activities and therapy groups. The Behavioral Health Unit is a 19-bed, adult inpatient behavioral health unit. It provides 24-hour per day care to patients who need a safe, supportive environment. Patients are admitted on a voluntary or involuntary basis. Behavioral health services at Memorial Healthcare are licensed by the Michigan Department of Mental Health and accredited by the Joint Commission. To learn more, click here.
TRAUMA AND INJURY PREVENTION RESOURCES:
- SafeKids Worldwide: Dedicated to protecting kids from unintentional injuries. We work to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more
- Youth Firesetting Information Repository & Evaluation System (YFIRES): If you are a parent or other direct caregiver of a youth involved in fire setting behavior, this link has resources that may help.
- It Can Happen In A Flash With a Splash: Each year, over 486,000 burn injuries occur in the United States that are serious enough to require medical treatment. An estimated 376,950 scald burn injuries were seen in hospital emergency rooms in the U.S. between 2013 and 2017. Join us in the fight to prevent severe burn and scald injuries!
- An older adult falls every second in the U.S. Learn how to stay safe and independent at:
- Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (Centers for Disease Control)
- National Council on Aging
- Stop the Bleed and save a life!
- #JustDrive: Distracted driving is a leading cause of crash-related injuries and deaths. Put down the phone and #JustDrive
- CDC Motor Vehicle Safety: For every 1 person killed in a motor vehicle crash, 9 people were hospitalized, and 88 people were treated and released from emergency departments. The CDC Motor Vehicle Safety website has resources for: child passenger safety, seat belts, teen drivers, distracted driving, older adult drivers, motorcycle safety, pedestrian safety, impaired driving, bicycle safety and global road safety.
- Michigan is “Educating Today for a Safer Tomorrow”: Learn about MI Prevention and how to keep your loved ones safe
- Burn Injury Awareness Events: Learn about weekend burn injury and awareness events.
- Water Safety USA: Leading the US in water safety and drowning prevention
- CDC Home and Recreational Safety: The CDC focuses on the science behind making people safe – working to prevent leading causes of injuries.
- CDC Child Safety and Injury Prevention: Injuries are the leading cause of death in children ages 19 and younger but most child injuries can be prevented
- CDC Heads Up: Concussion information for youth, parents, schools, and providers includes facts sheets, documentation for providers and training.
- Sports Concussion Law (Michigan)trauma
- CDC Violence Prevention: Prevention topics include child abuse and neglect, elder abuse, firearm violence, intimate partner violence, youth violence, sexual violence and suicide.
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 (TTY:711) / Text 233733 If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, call now.