Executive Proclamation

State of South Dakota

Office of the Governor

Whereas, Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults in the United States; and,

Whereas, At least 5.3 million Americans currently live with permanent disabilities resulting from a traumatic brain injury; and,

Whereas, At least 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury each year; and,

Whereas, Each year, another 80,000 Americans sustain life-long disabilities from a traumatic brain injury, resulting in a life-altering experience that can include the most serious physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments; and,

Whereas, The economic consequences of traumatic brain injuries are enormous-the average lifetime cost of care for a person with a severe traumatic brain injury ranges from $60,000 to $1,875,000; and,

Whereas, The lack of public awareness is so vast that traumatic brain injury is known in the disability community as the nation's ' silent epidemic'; and,

Whereas, The Brain Injury Association of America has recognized October as brain injury awareness month since 1980; and,

Whereas, The designation of brain injury awareness month will work toward enhancing public awareness of traumatic brain injury:

Now, Therefore, I, M. Michael Rounds, Governor of the state of South Dakota, do hereby proclaim October 2004, as

BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH

in South Dakota, all citizens to observe the month by participating in activities.