In late summer of 2006, plans were developed to focus on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and the military community at Fort Campbell. Recognizing March as National Brain Injury Awareness Month, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH) in collaboration with Tennessee’s Project B.R.A.I.N. (Brain Resource & Information Network) offered Soldiers, Families and Healthcare Providers a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) Symposium.

Senator Kurita speaks with Commander Gallagher The event featured two tracks on MTBI: one for families and soldiers and one for professionals. Presenters for the symposium are recognized TBI specialists with knowledge of available TBI resources. Exhibitor tables highlighted a variety of local, state and national TBI resources including TBI Peer Mentoring, Family Outreach, and Mental Health Programs.

“As a community resource and a Federal TBI Grant funded program, we are very proud and excited about our new partnership with Fort Campbell,” said Paula Denslow, Coordinator, Project BRAIN.

“Establishing ongoing effective communication links between hospitals, families and the community are critical in supporting the needs of individuals with TBI. “Providing TBI education and resources ensures a positive impact improving the quality of life for soldiers with TBI and their families.”

“We want to raise TBI awareness within the medical, military and civilian communities and reassure everyone that we are taking these conditions seriously in order to help Soldiers return to a normal life,” said Dr. David Twillie, Chief, Deployment Health Services, BACH.

“This event is the beginning of ongoing relationships between our communities; military and civilian alike,” said Denslow.

Project BRAIN staff with Dr. Twillie and Lt. Colonel PlaceSoldiers and their families had questions answered such as: What do I need to know about MTBI? What does a TBI look like? What does the future hold? Where can I get help? Attendees learned how to navigate the community based resources.

The healthcare community became acquainted with available assessment tools, diagnostic criteria, historical data, and treatment options for MTBI. “Networking with professionals and others who have experience with TBI will offer education and empowerment for everyone,” said Jennifer Jones, Resource Specialist, Project BRAIN.

For information about Fort Campbell’s TBI Support Group meetings, contact Angela Webster, awebster@epilepsytn.org (615) 269-7091 (800) 244-0768.

For more information about Project Brain, contact Coordinator Paula Denslow at paula_d@tndisability.org

Top Photo: State Senator Rosalind Kurita with a soldier and Commander Gallagher (right).

Lower Photo: Dr. Twillie; Jennifer Jones and Paula Denslow of Project BRAIN; and Lt. Col. Place.

DID YOU KNOW: Blast injuries are the leading cause of TBI for active duty military personnel in war zones, reported by the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center. www.DVBIC.org