FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON June 25, 2015
FREE Bike Helmet Giveaway This Saturday in Minneapolis
Event Aims to Reduce a Leading Cause of Death and Disability in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS -
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and its foundation, the American Brain Foundation, will be giving away 1,000 bike helmets this Saturday in an effort to raise awareness of brain safety to help prevent head injuries in Minnesota. Brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults in Minnesota. Approximately 13 percent of traumatic brain injury-related hospitalizations are caused by bicycle crashes in children ages 5 to 14, according to the latest information from the Brain Injury Alliance of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health. The free bike helmet giveaway will take place at the Mill City Farmers Market June 27, 2015, between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as quantities are limited. The event coincides with Brain Health Awareness Day in the city of Minneapolis as proclaimed by Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges. “Keeping your brain healthy and protected is at the center of our mission at the American Academy of Neurology, the world’s largest association of neurologists, headquartered right here in Minneapolis,” said Catherine M. Rydell, CAE, Executive Director and CEO of the American Academy of Neurology. “We encourage everyone to wear a helmet and are honored to be able to give back to protect the safety of our community.” The Academy has also donated 650 additional helmets to the Minneapolis Police Department Bike Cops for Kids, SPOKES/Cycles for Change, iCan Bike Camp, Downtown Congregation to End Homelessness and Venture North. “First and foremost, we want to keep kids safe and promote helmet use but it is also a great tool to use as an icebreaker to connect when we are out in the neighborhoods,” Officer Mike Kirchen from Bike Cops for Kids said. “I have seen first-hand in Minneapolis neighborhoods how these helmets directly help young children and protect them from injuries.” You can follow the Academy’s efforts Saturday on Twitter and Instragram (@AANBrain) using the hashtag #FreeBikeHelmets. To learn more about traumatic brain injury, please visit www.aan.com/concussion.