Congress first passed the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act in 1996 to help individuals with TBI and their families gain access to rehabilitation, long-term care, and community and family supports needed for return to home, work, school and community activities.
H.R. 4238 reauthorizes the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) TBI State Grant Program to assist States in developing and expanding service delivery capacity for individuals with traumatic brain injury and their families; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) TBI Program to conduct surveillance, prevention and public education programs; the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research in TBI; and the HRSA Protection & Advocacy TBI Grant Program (PATBI) to make grants to state Protection and Advocacy Systems to provide critical advocacy services to ensure that people with traumatic brain injury live full and independent lives free from abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.
We ask for support of the TBI Act Programs, which continues to directly impact Michigan.
1. Michigan’s TBI data research on incidence/risk factors. Using this data can now estimate Michigan costs/causes of TBI. This unique data collection has garnered national attention.
2. Innovative web-based training targeted to state & human service agencies – 3,000 staff trained.
3. Successfully connected with veterans from Iraq/Afghanistan through TBI education/advocacy and resources to those seeking help. Program is well-respected and frequently provides expert testimony.
4. Successful TBI Ombsudman program who, in short time, has made significant progress in strengthening and enhancing partnerships with public & private agencies to serve individuals with limited resources.
5. Michigan has submitted for a TBI Medicaid Waiver with 100 “slots” for service. Once finalized we must continue to advocate for increased placements.
Michigan is recognized as a leader in the nation in many ways and need to continue with this funding.