U.S. Congress Dedicates September as National Spinal Cord Injury Month

One person in the United States becomes paralyzed every 48 seconds. With this in mind, Congress recently acted to bring more attention to spinal cord injury (SCI), passing a resolution declaring September National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. Sponsored by Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL), the resolution aims to emphasize the state of health care and treatment for people with spinal cord injuries, highlight the advances that have yet to be made and honor those living with a spinal cord injury. In the bill itself Congress acknowledged the millions living with spinal cord injuries in the United States, and the frequency of spinal cord injuries. Despite this, research into treating or curing paralysis is often expensive and hard to come by, involving specialized equipment and staff that many hospitals and research centers cannot afford. Government funding and support will be crucial in the search for a treatment for paralysis. “By designating September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, I hope we can further educate the public about how crippling accidents can be prevented while promoting the important work being done to help victims walk again,” Sen. Rubio said. Paralyzed Veterans of America has since its inception supported research in spinal cord science as well as educational initiatives to improve the lives of individuals with SCI. “Since the founding of our Research and Education Foundations, with help from our chapters nationwide, Paralyzed Veterans has invested more than $100 million into research that promises new therapies, treatments and potential cures for paralysis,” said Bill Lawson, national president of the organization. “Top researchers supported by Paralyzed Veterans now confidently speak of a cure, and we are proud of our past and continuing role in making that happen.” With the new dedication of the U.S. government, Paralyzed Veterans of America will assist in the mission that this month represents, continuing to improve the quality of life and care for those with spinal cord injuries and working toward a cure. By Laura Voss who is a freelance writer for Paralyzed Veterans of America. http://www.pva.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ajIRK9NJLcJ2E&b=6350111&ct=11207929