Preventing head trauma
Conference encourages use of western, traditional teachings
ALBUQUERQUE
Every 21 seconds someone in the United States suffers a brain injury. According to a state agency that collects data, Native Americans and Alaska Natives are the most at risk in part because they face more barriers to screening, treatment and care.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or an injury that penetrates the head causing a mild condition like a concussion or more severe conditions like memory loss and unconsciousness.
To bring attention to the alarming rates of head trauma, the New Mexico School of Medicine and the New Mexico Department of Human Services teamed up to host the 2015 Summit on Traumatic Brain Injury and Native Americans.
This year’s summit, the 12th of its kind, was held at the Embassy Suites in late August. Hundreds of participants from tribal and state communities and agencies, learned about risks, prevention, best practices in western medical care and traditional approaches to healing and wellness.
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