Brain Injury Association of America Applauds Reauthorization of TBI Act

Vienna, VA (PRWEB) June 25, 2014

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) today applauded the passage of H.R. 1098, the Traumatic Brain Injury Reauthorization (TBI) Act of 2013, by the United States House of Representatives. The bill was passed unanimously in a voice vote on the evening of June 24, 2014.

Approximately 2.5 million Americans experience TBI each year and an estimated 5.3 million Americans are living with long-term, severe disabilities as a result of brain injury.

Today is a great day for people with brain injuries, and I applaud the members of the House of Representatives for taking action and reauthorizing this important piece of legislation, said Susan Connors, BIAAs president and CEO. I would also like to thank Representatives Bill Pascrell, Jr. and Tom Rooney for their work through the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, and to thank all of our grassroots advocates, without whom this would not have been possible.

Originally passed in 1996 and reauthorized in 2000 and 2008, the TBI Act represents a foundation for coordinated and balanced public policy in prevention, education, research, and community living for people with TBI. The TBI Act specifically allocates federal funds for programs supporting individuals with brain injury to federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Institute for Health (NIH) and the Health Resources Administration (HRSA).

BIAA has worked closely with the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force since 2011 to reauthorize the TBI Act, which has been without appropriations funding since 2012. The Task Force was co-founded by Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-N.J.), and is co-chaired by Rep. Pascrell and Rep. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.).

BIAA and other TBI Act stakeholders is continuing work with the United States Senate to introduce a companion bill.

###

BIAA is the countrys oldest and largest nationwide brain injury advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance brain injury prevention, research, treatment, and education, and to improve the quality of life for all individuals impacted by brain injury. Through advocacy, we bring help, hope, and healing to millions of individuals living with brain injury, their families and the professionals who serve them.

Read more:
Brain Injury Association of America Applauds Reauthorization of TBI Act