September 29, 2026
Mrs. Moody (for herself and Ms. Baldwin) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
Designating September 2026 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
.
Whereas approximately 311,560 individuals in the United States live with spinal cord injuries, which cost society billions of dollars in health care costs and lost wages;
Whereas there are approximately 18,482 new spinal cord injuries in the United States each year;
Whereas more than 42,000 individuals with spinal cord injuries are veterans;
Whereas motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries;
Whereas almost half of all spinal cord injuries sustained by individuals 30 years of age or younger occur as a result of a vehicular accident;
Whereas the average remaining years of life for individuals living with spinal cord injuries has not improved significantly since the 1980s;
Whereas there is an urgent need to develop new neuroprotection, pharmacological, and regeneration treatments to reduce, prevent, and reverse paralysis; and
Whereas increased awareness and support for research are key factors in improving outcomes for individuals living with spinal cord injuries, enhancing the quality of life of individuals with spinal cord injuries, and ultimately curing paralysis: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved,
That the Senate—
(1)
designates September 2026 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
;
(2)
supports the goals and ideals of National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month;
(3)
continues to support research to find better treatments, therapies, and a cure for spinal cord injuries;
(4)
supports clinical trials for new therapies that offer promise and hope to individuals living with paralysis; and
(5)
commends the dedication of national, regional, and local organizations, researchers, doctors, volunteers, and people across the United States who are working to improve the quality of life of individuals living with spinal cord injuries and their families.