National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
September 1 - September 30
About National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month is observed throughout September each year in the United States. Formally recognised by the US Senate through Senate Resolution 533 in 2014, the campaign raises public understanding of spinal cord injuries (SCI), supports people living with SCI and their families, promotes advances in medical research, and encourages prevention through education.
What is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month?
National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month is an annual September observance dedicated to increasing awareness of spinal cord injuries and promoting the rights, wellbeing, and inclusion of people affected by them. The campaign is supported by the United Spinal Association, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, and the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). Together, these groups work to educate the public about SCI prevention, champion better access to care, and advocate for research funding to advance treatments and, ultimately, cures for paralysis.
The month also celebrates the resilience and achievements of individuals living with spinal cord injuries, challenging misconceptions and promoting a fuller understanding of life with SCI. You can also learn about Disability Pride Month, observed each July, which champions the achievements and visibility of disabled people.
When is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month?
National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month runs from Tuesday, 1 September to Wednesday, 30 September 2026. It is observed throughout the entire month of September each year in the United States.
Why National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month Matters
The scale of spinal cord injury in the United States is significant. By the end of 2024, approximately 308,620 people in the US were living with a spinal cord injury. Around 18,000 new cases occur each year, equating to roughly 54 new injuries per million people. These are not abstract statistics: each case represents an individual whose life has been transformed, often suddenly and without warning.
The leading causes of SCI are vehicle accidents (39.3%), falls (31.8%), acts of violence (13.2%), and sporting injuries (8%). The condition disproportionately affects men, who represent approximately 79% of new SCI cases, and the average age at injury has risen from 29 years in the 1970s to 43 years in recent decades. Depression is common among people with SCI, affecting up to 37% of the SCI population, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health support alongside physical rehabilitation.
Despite these challenges, advances in research and rehabilitation are improving outcomes and quality of life for people with SCI. Public support for research funding and inclusive policy is essential to driving further progress. National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October provides a related opportunity to consider the employment challenges facing many people with disabilities.
How to Get Involved
- Learn about SCI prevention: Many spinal cord injuries are preventable. Wearing a seatbelt, using appropriate protective equipment in sport, and taking steps to prevent falls at home can all reduce risk.
- Support SCI research charities: Organisations such as the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the United Spinal Association, and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis depend on donations to fund research.
- Follow and share awareness content: Use the hashtag #SCIAwarenessMonth to amplify stories, facts, and resources related to spinal cord injury.
- Advocate for accessible environments: Contact your local council to highlight accessibility shortcomings in your community. Ramps, accessible toilets, and step-free transport make a real difference to people with SCI.
- Educate your workplace: Consider organising a lunchtime talk or information session on SCI awareness, prevention, and inclusion. The MSKTC offers free toolkits for this purpose.
- Amplify the voices of people with SCI: Share personal stories and interviews from people living with spinal cord injuries. Authentic representation challenges stereotypes and builds empathy.
History of National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month was formally established in September 2014 when the US Senate passed Senate Resolution 533, designating September as a month dedicated to raising awareness of spinal cord injuries. The resolution was driven by the advocacy work of organisations representing the SCI community, who had long campaigned for greater public recognition of the scale and impact of SCI.
The campaign built on decades of earlier advocacy. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, established in 1982 following actor Christopher Reeve’s paralysis in a 1995 horse-riding accident, had already brought significant public attention to SCI. Reeve’s commitment to raising awareness and funding research, despite being paralysed from the neck down, helped reshape public understanding of what life with SCI could look like.
Since 2014, the campaign has grown in scope and visibility. Each September, advocacy organisations publish updated research, run public awareness campaigns, and partner with healthcare institutions to host events. The US Senate reaffirmed the designation most recently with Senate Resolution 440 in 2025, underscoring ongoing commitment at the highest levels of US government.
Noteworthy Facts
- Approximately 308,620 people in the United States were living with a spinal cord injury as of 2024, with around 18,000 new cases occurring each year.
- Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of SCI in the US, accounting for 39.3% of all injuries, followed by falls (31.8%) and violence (13.2%).
- Around 79% of new SCI cases involve men, and the average age at injury has risen from 29 years in the 1970s to 43 years in recent decades.
- Depression affects up to 37% of people with spinal cord injuries.
- National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month was formally established by the US Senate in 2014 and reaffirmed in 2025 with Senate Resolution 440.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month?
National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month is a September awareness campaign in the United States that raises public understanding of spinal cord injuries, supports affected individuals and families, promotes SCI prevention, and advocates for research funding and improved access to care.
When is National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month in 2026?
It runs from Tuesday, 1 September to Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
Who established National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month?
The month was formally established by the US Senate in 2014 through Senate Resolution 533, driven by advocacy organisations representing people with SCI.
Hashtags
#SCIAwarenessMonth | #SCIAwarenessMonth2026 | #SpinalCordInjury
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2026 Health Awareness Calendar
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