Brain injury is sometimes called the silent epidemic because the symptoms aren't often obvious to the general public. Yet for many with brain injuries, each day is a struggle to keep afloat.
The Brain Injury Alliance of Utah works to increase awareness and provide support to those people whose lives have been devastated by the long-term effects of a brain injury.
George Gehling is the group’s executive director.
“Brain injury kind of comes out of the blue,” Gehling said. “People don’t plan to get a brain injury and when somebody does, more often than not, as soon as they are released from medical care, the primary caregiver for the person with an injury is a family member.”
He said family members are often unprepared for that kind of responsibility. What many families need are resources and support with how to cope with the injury.
The Utah State Legislature is currently addressing several issues regarding brain injury management and prevention, including the declaration to make March “Brain Injury Awareness Month.”
“I think the declaration signed by the governor will help give us an opportunity to raise awareness and to recognize the fact that there are more than 50,000 people living in Utah who struggle with the challenges caused by brain injury every day,” Gehling said.
The governor will sign the declaration on March 20.
