By: Richard L. Smith
March is recognized as National Brain Injury Awareness Month, and the Opportunity Project (OP) is spearheading a series of events aimed at empowering individuals with brain injuries while enhancing community awareness and prevention strategies.
The campaign will officially begin on March 6 with a special proclamation by Millburn Mayor Annette Romano, who will declare March as Brain Injury Awareness Month, setting the stage for a month filled with impactful activities and fundraising efforts.
With over 5.3 million Americans living with a disability resulting from brain injury, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlights the significance of acknowledging the challenges and outcomes of such injuries.
Opportunity Project's initiative for Brain Injury Awareness Month includes a range of public events designed to foster support, research, education, and advocacy for those affected by brain injuries.
The kick-off event features Mayor Annette Romano of Millburn, who will present a proclamation on Wednesday, March 6, at 10:30 am, symbolizing the community's commitment to raising awareness and supporting individuals impacted by brain injuries.
The following events are scheduled as part of the month-long campaign:
Thursday, March 7 at 5 pm: Attendees are invited to a Bollywood Themed Free First Thursday Event at the Montclair Art Museum. This cultural celebration will include music, live performances, art creations, and museum tours. Opportunity Project will host a table showcasing OP members' artwork and a Brain Injury Awareness Month Raffle with attractive prizes.
Friday, March 8 at 11 am: Experience a captivating performance by the New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra (NJIO) at the OP Clubhouse in Millburn, showcasing the talents of an organization renowned for its intergenerational excellence.
March 17 to March 23: In collaboration with Explore Millburn-Short Hills, OP celebrates Restaurant Week, partnering with local eateries and merchants to offer employment opportunities for OP members and raise funds for brain injury programs. A portion of the proceeds from participating restaurants will benefit the Opportunity Project.
Friday, March 22 at 1 pm: Join the fun at the Bingo Bucks for Brain Injury Fundraiser at the OP Clubhouse. Enjoy snacks and win prizes, all in support of a great cause. Throughout March, the community is encouraged to participate in "Wear Green or Blue Jeans Day." This long-standing event allows organizations to show their support by wearing green, the official color of brain injury awareness, or blue jeans in exchange for a donation to the Opportunity Project.
Additionally, the Opportunity Project Speakers Bureau is available to visit organizations to discuss brain injury prevention and share inspirational recovery stories from its members.
These events underscore the commitment of the Opportunity Project and its partners to enhancing the lives of those affected by brain injuries, providing vital support, and promoting a deeper understanding of brain injury prevention and recovery within the community.