AAN hosts free bike helmet giveaway in Minneapolis to raise awareness of head injuries

For a sixth consecutive year, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) will be giving away 1,000 bike helmets to children and adults on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at the Mill City Farmers Market. The free bike helmet giveaway is designed to raise awareness of and help prevent head injuries in Minnesota. It will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as quantities are limited.

"As Minnesotans head outdoors to soak up our beautiful summer weather, we want to encourage everyone to protect their brain as they enjoy their favorite recreational activities," said Catherine M. Rydell, CAE, Executive Director and CEO of the American Academy of Neurology. "The AAN bike helmet giveaway is an important way to support our local community in hopes of preventing head injuries."

Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges has also proclaimed Saturday, June 17, 2017, Brain Health Awareness Day in the city to raise awareness about brain health.

As part of Saturday's event, the Mill City Farmers Market will present a cooking demonstration on healthy brain food as part of "Mill City Cooks" with guest Chef Austin Bartold. Kids ages 3-12 will have the chance to try brain-boosting spinach samples and earn a $2 token at the market's Power of Produce stand.

To further engage with the community, the AAN is hosting a piano through Pianos on Parade, a summer program from the Minneapolis Downtown Council, which aims to connect employees, residents, and visitors of Minneapolis with downtown spaces in creative ways. Music is sometimes used as supplemental therapy along with traditional treatments for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and dementia. The piano is placed in the sensory garden area in front of the AAN headquarters for the public to play every day from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. until June 30, 2017.

To extend its impact on Minnesotans' brain health, the AAN has donated an additional 1,100 helmets to the Minneapolis Police Department Bike Cops for Kids, SPOKES/Cycles for Change, St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health, Extended Learning Summer School/Minneapolis Public Schools, Brain Injury Alliance Minnesota and Hennepin County Health Care for the Homeless.