Statewide campaign supports brain-injury victims

By Christian Hill | The Olympian • Published March 12, 2008

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OLYMPIA – Officials launched a statewide campaign Wednesday to raise public awareness about traumatic brain injury.

The campaign highlights a toll-free help line and Web site where residents can learn more about the injury or be referred to services.

Gov. Chris Gregoire has proclaimed March as Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month.

"It's recognition that the TBI population has never had before," said R House, a 68-year-old Whidbey Island resident whose husband, Allen, suffered a brain injury in a motorcycle crash in 2004.

Traumatic brain injury is caused by trauma to the head from a fall, car crash or sports injury.

The injury can result in memory loss, diminished cognitive skills, mood changes and depression. The symptoms can get better over time, but it's rare for victims to fully recover.

State lawmakers approved last year a bill that funded programs and services for brain-injury survivors and their families. There had been no dedicated funding to address the challenges.

The law added a $2 fee to the cost of traffic tickets for moving violations and is expected to generate about $1.9 million a year toward the effort.

The legislation, Substitute House Bill 2055, required the Department of Social and Health Services to start a public-awareness campaign.

It also created an advisory council that will recommend ways to address the needs of TBI survivors statewide. That council's final report is due Dec. 1.

In 2006, an estimated 1,300 people died and 4,000 people were hospitalized in the state as a result of a traumatic brain injury, said Robin Arnold-Williams, leader of DSHS. The number who suffered a brain injury is larger because the data only take into account people who stayed in a hospital at least two days, noted Bea Rector, office chief of DSHS' Home and Community Programs.

The Brain Injury Association of Washington estimates that more than 100,000 Washington residents are coping with debilitating brain injuries.

DSHS has contracted with the brain-injury association to operate the toll-free hot line. The state developed and maintains the Web site.

Christian Hill covers the city of Lacey and military for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5427 or chill@theolympian.com.