EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL 11 AM ET, June 17, 2016

Free Bike Helmet Giveaway in Minneapolis

Community Event Aims to Prevent Brain Injuries in Recreational Sports

MINNEAPOLIS -

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the American Brain Foundation will be giving away 1,000 bike helmets Saturday, June 25, 2016, at the Mill City Farmers Market in an effort to raise awareness of brain safety and prevent head injuries in Minnesota. The free bike helmet giveaway will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as quantities are limited. “The AAN recognizes the significant amount of brain injuries sustained each year in our state and aims to protect and inform our community as they enjoy their favorite outdoor activities,” said Catherine M. Rydell, CAE, Executive Director and CEO of the American Academy of Neurology. In acknowledgement of the day, Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges proclaimed Saturday, June 25, 2016, Brain Health Awareness Day in the city. To further engage with the community, the AAN has sponsored a piano through Pianos on Parade. The summer program from the Minneapolis Downtown Council aims to connect employees, residents, and visitors of Minneapolis with downtown spaces in creative ways. Music is sometimes used as supplemental therapy along with traditional treatments for neurologic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia. The piano is placed in the sensory garden in front of the AAN headquarters for the public to play every day from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. until June 30, 2016. The AAN has donated an additional 1,000 helmets to the Minneapolis Police Department Bike Cops for Kids, SPOKES/Cycles for Change, Downtown Congregation to End Homelessness, Venture North and NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center to extend its impact on Minnesotans’ brain health. “As police officers, community health and safety is our main priority,” said Officer Mike Kirchen from Bike Cops for Kids. “With these bike helmets, we have the opportunity to establish real relationships with children in the neighborhoods we serve.” You can follow the Academy’s efforts Saturday on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@AANBrain) using #FreeBikeHelmets and #JustUseIt. To learn more about traumatic brain injury, please visit www.aan.com/concussion. The American Academy of Neurology is the largest trade association in Minnesota, and its headquarters are located at Chicago Avenue and 2nd Street, across from the Mill City Farmers Market.

The American Academy of Neurology, the world’s largest association of 30,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit www.aan.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube. The American Brain Foundation, founded by the American Academy of Neurology, supports crucial research to discover causes, improved treatments, and cures for brain and other nervous system diseases. Learn more at www.americanbrainfoundation.org or find the Foundation on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube. Mill City Farmers Market inspires and nurtures a healthy community by building a local, sustainable and organic food economy in a vibrant, educational marketplace. Their vision is to be a nationally recognized marketplace model that connects, educates and empowers a community to support a healthy, sustainable food system to contribute to the success of local food growers and producers. Learn more at www.millcityfarmersmarket.org.