Traumatic brain injury bill passes House almost unanimously

Bill will provide hope and support to thousands of traumatic brain injury victims

For immediate release

March 8, 2007

OLYMPIA - What do former news anchor Bob Woodruff, thousands of veterans, domestic violence victims and some injured athletes have in common?

They are victims of traumatic brain injury, a condition caused by a wide range of medical conditions or injuries from car accidents, domestic violence, war combat and sports. Brain injuries can cause severe physical disabilities as well as behavior changes and wild mood swings, depression, memory loss, seizures and more.

Lawmakers in Washington's House of Representatives passed a historical bill today to close the cracks in the medical and social service networks that leave thousands of traumatic brain injury victims without the services they need.

"Traumatic brain injury is a silent reality for thousands of people," commented Representative Dennis Flannigan (D-Tacoma) who is prime sponsor of House Bill 2055. "Currently, there are few resources in place to help these survivors fully recover and find the services they need. This bill is a critical step in providing help to these people."

Traumatic brain injuries that are medical in nature, but often require long-term care usually provided through social services. Flannigan introduced House Bill 2055 to begin a conversation about how to define traumatic brain injuries and set the stage for a statewide effort to help people with brain injuries. The bill will establish an advisory committee to oversee the creation of a public awareness campaign, statewide referral network, and facilitated support groups.

"The tragic plight of our returning veterans has shed some sunlight on this issue," says Flannigan. "But it affects thousands of people every year. We need to talk about how we can help our veterans and other brain injury victims get they help they so desperately need."

The bill passed 96-2 and will be sent to the Senate for consideration. Information on the bill can be found at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2055&year=2007.

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