WATERVILLE -- The Brain Injury Association of Maine has teamed with Marden's stores to provide children in Maine with free bicycle helmets. The event will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marden's Stores in Presque Isle, Calais, Brewer, Waterville, Lewiston and Sanford.

Each year, more than 1.4 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury due to accidents, trauma or illness, stroke, tumor and infection.

In Maine, more than 5,000 people each year will suffer a brain injury. With traumatic brain injury occurring every 23 seconds, this public health concern ranks as the leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults, according to the association.

Brain injury can be life altering with serious impairments a frequent result. The Brain Injury Association of Maine provides programs and support services that help families cope and adapt to the unpredictable situations and challenges presented to them when a loved one suffers a brain injury.

For more information about the helmet event or the Brain Injury Association of Maine, contact Kristie LeBlanc at kleblanc@biame.org.