BIAA Expresses Support for Ukrainian Troops and Civilians
February 25, 2022
Fairfax, Va. – The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) expresses support the Ukrainian people in this difficult moment as Russian military operations enter their country.
During armed conflict, civilians and soldiers alike are at an increased risk of sustaining brain injuries. The primary risk is traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of blasts in combat, or as a result of assault, falls, motor vehicle accidents, falls, or flying objects. War can also increase risk for so-called non-traumatic brain injuries, including as a result of electric shock, toxic exposure, and, in this case, increased transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Exacerbating these problems may be a lack of ability to receive the immediate and rehabilitative care that are critical to improving brain injury outcomes due to overcrowded or destroyed hospital facilities.
“Combat and war lead to injury of all kinds, including brain injury,” said Susan H. Connors, BIAA’s president and chief executive officer. “At BIAA, we advocate on behalf of Americans with brain injuries to increase their ability to access and afford care, support efforts to reduce the incidence of new brain injuries, and fund research to find cures for chronic brain injuries. Although there are no American troops on the ground in Ukraine, BIAA cannot, in good conscience, watch as others suffer a mass casualty and injury event without expressing our sympathy for those impacted.”
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month in the United States. BIAA is elevating the stories of brain injury survivors through the #MoreThanMyBrainInjury campaign. Key collateral in this campaign highlights the experience of individuals with combat brain injuries. BIAA has also provided a list of resources for veterans and their families seeking help.
Information about the #MoreThanMyBrainInjury campaign, including ways to participate in advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, through social media posts, and by starting a fundraising campaign is available at biausa.org/morethanmybraininjury.
Individuals in need of resources and support after brain injury should contact BIAA’s National Brain Injury Information Center at 1-800-444-6443.
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About the Brain Injury Association of America:
The Brain Injury Association of America is the country’s oldest and largest nationwide brain injury advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance awareness, research, treatment, and education and to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury. We are dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury.
