March 01, 2026
WHEREAS, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and acquired brain injury are leading causes of injury-related death and disability in the United States and in Michigan; and,
WHEREAS, brain injuries may potentially affect cognitive function, motor function, sensation and emotional function; and,
WHEREAS, in 2023 there were 188 fatalities on average per day in the United States from injuries that included TBI; and,
WHEREAS, there were 1,839 TBI-related fatalities in Michigan in 2023; and 74% of those injured were male; and,
WHEREAS, there were 9,372 hospitalizations for TBIs in Michigan in 2023; and,
WHEREAS, a 2024 study estimated the average cost of non-fatal TBI hospitalizations was $51,241 in medical expenses and $6,110 in lost work; and,
WHEREAS, people ages 75 years and older have the highest numbers and rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths in Michigan. This age group accounted for about 35% of TBI-related hospitalizations and 32% of TBI-related deaths in 2023; and,
WHEREAS, leading and preventable causes of TBI include being struck by or against an object or person, motor vehicle crashes, suicide attempts, substance use disorder and assaults, including shaken baby or abusive head trauma; and,
WHEREAS, observable signs of TBI may include, but are not limited to, appearing dazed or stunned, forgetting instructions, moving clumsily, answering questions slowly, losing consciousness (even briefly), showing mood, behavior or personality changes, being unable to recall events prior to and/or after an injury; and,
WHEREAS, prevention strategies can greatly reduce the risk for TBIs and death, including removing hazards in and around the home, playing sports safely with adherence to rules and use of protective gear like helmets, using extra caution in bad weather when walking or driving, driving unimpaired and without distraction and always using a seat belt, keeping firearms and ammunition safely locked away, staying physically active, and many others; and,
WHEREAS, TBIs are a largely preventable community health problem; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will continue to collect data to monitor incidents of traumatic and acquired brain injury and related deaths and work with partners like the Brain Injury Association of Michigan to raise awareness to support people with brain injuries and their families, and share information about injury prevention strategies;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2026 as Brain Injury Awareness Month in Michigan and call upon our citizens and interested groups to observe the month with appropriate activities that promote awareness and prevention of brain injuries.
