Senator Marleau offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 131.

            A resolution designating March 2012 as Brain Injury Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, 1.7 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year; and

            Whereas, A traumatic brain injury is a contributing factor to one-third of all injury-related deaths in the United States; and

            Whereas, Each year in the state of Michigan, 10,700 citizens are hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury; and

            Whereas, These injuries are largely the result of motor vehicle crashes, falls, assaults, sporting-related injuries, or occupational injuries; and

            Whereas, Traumatic brain injury is the signature injury of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, presenting new challenges for members of the military and their families; and

            Whereas, An injury that happens in an instant can bring a lifetime of physical, cognitive, and behavior challenges; and

            Whereas, Early, equal, and adequate access to care will greatly increase the overall quality of life and will enable individuals to return to home, school, work, and community; and

Whereas, The Brain Injury Association of Michigan offers education and support to families and individuals with traumatic brain injury with community integration and to live as independently as possible; and

Whereas, March has been designated as Brain Injury Awareness Month to promote public awareness on the extent, causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention of traumatic brain injury; and

Whereas, The state of Michigan has become a virtual center of excellence in the field of brain injury research and education and provides the most complete treatment array and continuum of care for those who sustain a brain injury; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby proclaim March 2012 as Brain Injury Awareness Month in Michigan. We applaud the Brain Injury Association of Michigan for its invaluable contributions for educating the citizens of our great state on matters pertaining to traumatic brain injury prevention, treatment, resources, support, and assistance.