Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week Launched

13 Nov 2006

Media Release - 13 November 2006

The TAC today joined ParaQuad Victoria in launching a week dedicated to raising awareness about spinal cord injury and its prevention.

“Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week is an important event relevant not only to people living with spinal cord injuries, their families and friends, but the broader community,” said Peter Harcourt, Chief Health Officer, TAC. 

“It encourages discussion about what it means to have a spinal cord injury and also draws attention to what can be done to prevent one”.

Dr Harcourt said the main cause of spinal cord injury was road trauma.

“In the twelve months to June this year, 80 people sustained traumatic spinal cord injuries in Victoria - 32 of which were injured as a result of road trauma. Most of those injured were male, and aged between 18 and 35 years,” he said.

Dr Harcourt reiterated the importance of awareness of injury prevention.

“There isn’t a cure for spinal cord injuries and these injuries are life changing with the ripple effect lasting for years.

“While we can’t control the unexpected or stop it from happening, what we can do is be aware, particularly when out on the road.

“Always wear a seatbelt if you are travelling in a car, always wear full protective gear if riding a motorcycle and when purchasing a car, make vehicle safety features such as curtain airbags a proirity.

"Speed, alcohol and fatigue are all contributing factors to road trauma,” he said.

Dr Harcourt said this week was also important for acknowledging the achievements of all those who continue to pursue their goals and be active in their communities despite their injuries.

“There are significant physical and emotional challenges through the process of rehabilitation, coming home, and getting on with life, but there are also ways of adjusting and continuing to be active in the community, in sport and in the workplace.

“That dedication and determination to pursuing goals, needs to be acknowledged and applauded,” he said.

Activities held throughout Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week include: a golf day hosted by the Daddo family and a 'rock and roll' challenge hosted by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade Running Club.

On the 18th and 19th of November, the Melbourne Aquarium, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, the National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Park Tours are offering free admission to people living with spinal cord injuries.

For all program details or to become part of ParaQuad’s volunteer program visit www.paraquad.asn.au.