There are approximately 299,000 people living with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States, and each year an estimated 18,000 people are injured, according to the most recent report from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC). In 2018, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution recognizing September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month to improve treatments and resources for those living with SCI.  

 
In observation of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, the Model System Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) and the Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) program would like to encourage people with SCI and their families to access our free, research-based resources! The SCIMS program was started in 1970 to improve the care and outcomes for people with SCI. There are currently 18 SCIMS centers that provide a comprehensive system of rehabilitation care as well as conduct research, provide education, and disseminate information with the goal of improving long-term functional, vocational, cognitive, and quality-of-life outcomes for people with SCI. The SCIMS program collaborates with the MSKTC to translate research into a variety of user-friendly resources such as factsheets, videos, narrated slideshows, and quick reviews. Check out the MSKTC’s free, research-based resources on 25 rehabilitation topics for people with SCI and those who support them.