Together with individuals and agencies across New York State, the Brain Injury Association of NYS is working to build awareness about combat-related traumatic brain injury and its impact on our returning military. Recent statistics from the U.S. Army indicate that as many as one in five American troops are returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom with symptoms of a brain injury. In fact, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you were exposed to a blast, were in a vehicle crash, or had your head hit or jolted while you were deployed, you might have a brain injury. Many troops may not know that they have an injury or that treatment is available, and it may be months before symptoms of a brain injury begin to appear. A recently released Army task force report noted “major gaps” in identifying and treating traumatic brain injuries in service members. The Association has collaborated with the New York State Department of Health to raise awareness about TBI in the military. Through training and outreach, the Association encourages collaboration within the network of TBI service providers, veterans’ organizations, and the community. In the Association’s moving 30-minute documentary film, Beyond the Invisible, three veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom share their experiences of living with a traumatic brain injury. Our newest documentary, Coming Home, focuses on service members and their families as they navigate the world of brain injury. If you or a family member was injured while deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan and you have questions about brain injury, please contact the Brain Injury Association of New York State. You are not alone! The Traumatic Brain Injury and Military Veterans Services Project
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