Santa Fe Standard

SANTA FE – Brain Injury Awareness Month, recognized each March, provides an opportunity to raise awareness of traumatic brain injury (TBI) prevention and improve the quality of life for those impacted by TBI. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish are recognizing Brain Injury Awareness Month by promoting prevention of childhood TBI, commonly known as concussions.

Dr. Miranda Durham, Chief Medical Officer for NMDOH, emphasized the importance of taking precautions to protect children against traumatic brain injury, stating, “There are some simple precautions we can take to help protect our children against traumatic brain injury. For example, ensuring kids wear helmets when riding any type of moving vehicle provides excellent protection against injuries.”

Desi Ortiz, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program Manager for the Department of Game and Fish, highlighted the significance of wearing proper safety equipment to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury, saying, “To reduce the chance of traumatic brain injury, always wear the proper safety equipment and make sure it fits. Taking an OHV safety class can further reduce your chances of injury by teaching you the proper techniques for operating an OHV.”

In New Mexico, children from birth to 17 years of age accounted for approximately 14% of TBI-related deaths in 2021. Traumatic brain injuries are preventable through simple steps such as wearing appropriate safety equipment like helmets and taking safety classes for operating vehicles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides valuable resources on recognizing, responding to, and minimizing the risk of concussion or other serious brain injury. More information can be found on the HEADS UP Resource Page and Let’s Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury page on the CDC website.

In an effort to make press releases more accessible, a Spanish version of this information is also available. All individuals are encouraged to take part in preventing childhood traumatic brain injuries by following safety guidelines and promoting awareness in their communities.