The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is holding two events during National Brain Injury Awareness Month in March to increase public awareness and focus on prevention. Traumatic brain injury ( TBI ) is a major cause of death and disability in the U.S. An estimated 13,500 individuals in Hawaiʻi suffered a TBI each year from 2012 through 2016, according to the Hawaiʻi Health Information Corporation.

The Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division Neurotrauma Supports program is teaming with community partners to educate the public about the effects of TBI and provide resources available to survivors.

Concussion showing

A free showing of Concussion, a movie starring Will Smith, will be presented at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at the John A. Burns School of Medicine Medical Education Building at 651 Ilalo Street. The movie brings awareness of the need for prevention efforts surrounding brain injury and the long-term effects of TBI .

Prior to the showing, healthcare providers from the Queen’s Medical Center will speak about concussions and traumatic brain injuries. There will also be free popcorn, a trivia contest and prizes. For more information, contact the Pacific Disabilities Center at (808) 692-1370.

Helmet give away

Multi-sport helmets will be offered free to the first 300 students on Wednesday, March 21, 8:30 a.m. to noon, at UH Mānoa’s Campus Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

The event is co-sponsored by the Student Activity and Program Fee Board and the College of Education’s Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science Hawaiʻi Concussion Awareness Management Program. There will be lots of giveaways and students will also receive information on preventing traumatic brain injuries and tips on the proper use of helmets. Using a helmet can reduce the risk of serious brain injury and death due to a fall or collision because the helmet, rather than a person’s head, will absorb most of the impact.