Every September, we recognize Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Awareness Month. In this post, we’ll share some key statistics to share plus further reading about life with paralysis.
3 Reasons We Recognize SCI Month
Our nonprofit’s work involves playing a role in the lives of SCI families every day. During September, we place a special emphasis on SCI awareness and hope for 3 reasons:
- Because spinal cord injuries impact every aspect of life – physical, mental, emotional, and financial.
- Because spinal cord injuries are unique. Each individual’s experience with paralysis is different. These stories deserve to be shared, and these perspectives can help others feel less alone at a time of overwhelming need.
- Because inequality continues to impact SCI families. From lack of accessibility to ableism to financial barriers to care and health, individuals living with paralysis and their communities face constant obstacles and must be perpetual advocates for their own wellbeing.
Spinal Cord Injury Statistics
According to the National SCI Statistics Center:
- More than 311,000 people are currently living with a spinal cord injury in the US.
- There are over 18,000 new spinal cord injuries each year in the US.
- The lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury is between $1.5 million and $6.4 million
Stories about Life with Paralysis
We have interviewed dozens of individuals living with paralysis and their support communities about life after a spinal cord injury. Read and share their stories this month:
