84R10010 CJM-D
By: Naishtat H.R. No. 693
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Traumatic brain injuries are a dangerous reality for
many Texans, but there have been significant advances toward better
awareness, understanding, and support over the past several years;
and
WHEREAS, Approximately 144,000 Texans sustain traumatic
brain injuries annually, and about 4,000 of those die from their
injuries; an estimated 500,000 Texans are currently living with a
disability caused by traumatic brain injury, which remains the
leading cause of death and disability in persons under 45 and is
especially common among children and teenagers; and
WHEREAS, In order to mitigate the societal impact of this
type of trauma, the 78th Texas Legislature established the Texas
Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council and charged it with
identifying individuals with TBIs, informing state leadership of
their needs, recommending policies to address those needs,
encouraging research into causes and prevention, and promoting
awareness; in the past several years, the TBIAC has accomplished
these core responsibilities by implementing a myriad of successful
programs across the state; and
WHEREAS, The council, with members appointed by the executive
commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, has
partnered with various agencies to ensure that individuals with
TBIs have access to adequate and high quality care; created in 2007,
the Office of Acquired Brain Injury researched and provided several
options to fund waivers for affected patients; the OABI and TBIAC
have collaborated on the development of accredited online training
courses for public health professionals, caregivers, social
workers, survivors, law enforcement personnel, and family members
dealing with TBIs; the OABI and the council also teamed up with the
Texas Education Agency to create a resource on TBIs and successful
communication and teaching skills for educators; in addition, the
OABI works closely with the Texas State Athletic Trainers'
Association to raise awareness of sports concussions; and
WHEREAS, A large number of United States service members
suffer from TBIs, especially those returning from the wars in Iraq
and Afghanistan, and the TBIAC has worked especially hard to help
these brave men and women manage their conditions; with the OABI and
the Department of Veterans Affairs, the council released an
instructional video in both English and Spanish that offers advice
for effective communication and reviews available resources for
veterans with TBIs; and
WHEREAS, Traumatic brain injuries affect Texans from all
backgrounds and of all ages, and it is fitting to take this
opportunity to celebrate the achievements of those who have
sustained brain injuries and to pay tribute to the many caregivers
and professionals who support them; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize March 2015 as Brain Injury Awareness
Month and honor the work of the Texas Traumatic Brain Injury
Advisory Council; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the TBIAC as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.