Executive Proclamation

State of South Dakota

Office of the Governor

Whereas, It is estimated that approximately 250,000 people in the United States are living with the damage and uncertainty of a spinal cord injury; and

Whereas, Nearly 30 new spinal cord injuries occur every day and 11,000 new spinal cord injuries are reported each year; and,

Whereas, More than one-half of those with spinal cord injuries were injured between the ages of 16 and 30; and,

Whereas, The leading and growing cause of spinal cord injuries is automobile accidents. Other frequently reported causes of injuries include violence, falls, diving accidents, work and sports related accidents; and,

Whereas, Fifty-five per-cent of individuals with spinal cord injuries are affected by paraplegia and forty-four percent suffer from quadriplegia; and,

Whereas, Great strides have been made by the research and medical community in the search for a cure for paralysis. Vocal support and tireless advocacy of celebrities, business and civic leaders, and courageous patients, the devastating effects of spinal cord injury, paralysis, and the need for a cure are gaining greater public attention; and,

Now, Therefore, I, M. Michael Rounds, Governor of the state of South Dakota, in order to recognize the importance of spinal cord health and safety and the work of researchers and advocates dedicated to paralysis prevention and treatment, do hereby proclaim September 2004, as

SPINAL  CORD  INJURY  AWARENESS  MONTH

in South Dakota, and I encourage all South Dakota citizens to take this opportunity to educate themselves about the effects of spinal cord injuries and support the efforts of those who fight for a cure.