A weekly update on federal policy activity related to traumatic brain injury
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In This Issue:
Health Care Reform Update
State Concussion Legislation
2010 Brain Injury Awareness Day
Policy Corner is made possible by the Centre for Neuro Skills, James F. Humphreys and Associates, and Lakeview. Brain Injury Association of America gratefully acknowledges their support for legislative action.
Health Care Reform Update
After the devastating Massachusetts special election, House and Senate leaders are expected to resume negotiations this week to attempt to finish the health care overhaul. Although a clear path is still unknown, BIAA will continue to monitor the situation closely. A big thank you to all of our grassroots advocates who answered the call last week to urge members of Congress to push forward on Health Care Reform!
State Concussion Legislation
Following the extraordinary success of BIA of Washington and BIA of Oregon in the adoption of state level sports concussion legislation, BIAA, in partnership with the Sports Legacy Institute, has become committed to encouraging, and assisting wherever possible, the enactment of sports concussion legislation in all states.
BIAA has developed a sample piece of legislation based on current laws and pending bills that exist throughout the country. This model legislation along with a sample testimony for use in state concussion hearings, distributed on January 25, 2010 to BIAA’s state affiliates, is a step foward in facilitating action in each state.
Due to the increased visibility of sports concussions within the National Football League in recent weeks, BIAA is encouraged that all states will be able to tip the scales in favor of protecting our youth athletes.
Brain Injury Awareness Day 2010
This year’s Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill is set to take place on March, 17, 2010. BIAA will be unveiling our 2010 legislative agenda and encouraging the grassroots community along with state affiliates to participate in advocating for increased TBI Act appropriations, increased access to care, federal and state level concussion legislation, increased TBI research, military coverage of cognitive rehabilitation and caregiver assistance.
All issues mentioned will be outlined in fact sheets that advocates will receive that day and can use as reference during congressional visits and may leave behind for review by congressional staff.
Below is the schedule of events for the day:
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Brain Injury Awareness Fair, First Floor Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Briefing: “From the Playground to the Pros: A Heads-Up on
Concussion”, Capitol Visitors Center – Congressional Meeting Room South
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM - Reception Celebrating Brain Injury Awareness Month, First Floor Foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building
If you are planning to attend and need assistance scheduling congressional visits, please contact Sarah D’Orsie, sdorsie@biausa.org or 703-584-8637
Wed, Jan 27, 2010
Brain Injury Law, More About TBI