What is NAH Awareness Week?

NAH Awareness Week is observed annually in Belgium, with the next edition running from October 7 to October 13, 2024. NAH, which stands for Niet-Aangeboren Hersenletsel (Acquired Brain Injury or ABI), refers to brain injuries sustained after birth, usually through accidents, strokes, or illnesses. The week is dedicated to raising awareness about the often “invisible” consequences of brain injuries, which can include cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges that aren’t always evident to others. The campaign aims to educate the public and healthcare providers about these challenges and bring people with NAH together to share their experiences.

NAH affects an estimated 300,000 people in Belgium, and each year around 50,000 new cases are recorded. The Hersenletsel Liga (Brain Injury League) leads this awareness effort, organizing activities such as support group meetings, Hersenletsel-Cafés, and both live and online events across Flanders to help patients connect and inform the broader public.

History and Origin

NAH Awareness Week was created to highlight the struggles faced by individuals with acquired brain injuries. These injuries can have long-lasting, often unseen effects on a person’s ability to function in daily life. The Hersenletsel Liga, a Belgian nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with NAH, organizes this week in collaboration with various partners. The campaign seeks to not only offer support to those affected but also educate healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, who may not be fully aware of the patient’s changing needs after a traumatic brain injury.

Who Observes NAH Awareness Week?

• Individuals with NAH and Their Families: Patients and families use this week to connect with others facing similar challenges through events and support groups, finding solidarity and exchanging experiences.
• Healthcare Providers: Doctors, therapists, and first-line caregivers observe this week to better understand how to support their patients post-rehabilitation and how to accommodate their cognitive and emotional needs.
• Advocacy Organizations: Nonprofits such as Hersenletsel Liga and Sig collaborate to host educational events, webinars, and campaigns aimed at improving the quality of care and understanding for people with brain injuries.
• General Public: The week serves as a platform to inform the broader public about the unseen effects of brain injuries and promote empathy and understanding toward those living with these challenges.

Slogans and Themes

The central theme of NAH Awareness Week revolves around visibility and understanding, especially regarding the “invisible” effects of brain injuries. Slogans such as “Ik ben veranderd, maar je ziet het niet” (I have changed, but you don’t see it) focus on the hidden impact of brain injuries and the need for broader societal understanding.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors:

• Blue: Symbolizing trust and clarity, blue is often associated with healthcare and support for brain injury survivors.
• Green: Representing growth and recovery, green highlights the process of rehabilitation and renewal for people with NAH.
• Yellow: Symbolizing hope and optimism, yellow reflects the focus on raising awareness and promoting better futures for individuals with NAH.

Symbols:

• Brain Icon: Central to the campaign, the brain symbol represents the focus on cognitive and neurological health.
• Hands: Representing care and support, hands symbolize the collaborative effort between healthcare providers, families, and support networks.
• Puzzle Pieces: Often used to symbolize the complexity of brain injuries and the need for specialized care and understanding.

Patterns:

• Neural Pathways: Patterns representing neural connections highlight the complexities of the brain and the long-term effects of brain injuries.
• Circular Designs: These symbolize the ongoing journey of recovery and rehabilitation for people with NAH.
• Waves: Representing the emotional and cognitive fluctuations experienced by individuals living with brain injuries.

Most Used Hashtags

• #NAHAwarenessWeek
• #Hersenletsel
• #BrainInjurySupport
• #AcquiredBrainInjury
• #NAHLiga

How to Participate in NAH Awareness Week

• Attend Events and Workshops: Join live or online events such as Hersenletsel-Cafés, workshops, or webinars hosted by the Hersenletsel Liga and its partners. These events offer valuable insights into brain injuries and provide a platform for patients and families to connect.
• Raise Awareness on Social Media: Use social media platforms to share facts, stories, or resources about NAH. By using hashtags like #NAHAwarenessWeek and #Hersenletsel, you can help spread the message and educate others on the effects of brain injuries.
• Organize a Local Event: Encourage schools, workplaces, or community groups to hold informational sessions, discussion panels, or fundraising events focused on brain injury awareness and support services.
• Support NAH Advocacy Groups: Consider volunteering with organizations such as the Hersenletsel Liga or donating to help fund research, rehabilitation services, and public awareness campaigns aimed at supporting those living with NAH.
• Share Personal Stories: If you or someone you know has experienced an acquired brain injury, sharing your story can be a powerful way to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the hidden challenges people with NAH face.

Importance of NAH Awareness Week

NAH Awareness Week is crucial in shedding light on the often invisible and misunderstood challenges faced by individuals with acquired brain injuries. It serves as a platform for education, advocacy, and community support, helping to ensure that those living with brain injuries receive the care and understanding they deserve. By raising awareness, the week promotes more inclusive environments and highlights the importance of early intervention and continuous rehabilitation for better outcomes.