MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Regina Blye, Chief Program and Policy Officer
Discusses the Living with Paralysis & Caregiver National Survey
Conducted by the
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
MedicalResearch.com: How large is the population of Americans living with paralysis?
Response: There is a significant population of Americans living with paralysis. To note, a 2013 study by the
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation found that 1 in 50 people in the US are living with paralysis. This is approximately 5.4 million people. I, myself, have lived with a spinal cord injury (SCI) for over 35 years. While some progress has been made over the past few decades, there is still work to be done.
In a new survey conducted by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation called “
Living with Paralysis & Caregiver National Survey,” we learned that a majority of Americans (69%) underestimate the prevalence of those living with paralysis in the U.S. - about two out of every 100 individuals.
Given the notable size of the population, we must work together to educate and inform families, business leaders, advocates, policymakers and the general public to help improve the quality of life for those living with, or impacted by paralysis.
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. While we’ve been fortunate to make advancements with significant support from the community, we must all unite to accelerate comprehensive information, resources, referral services, and innovative research together.
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