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 20% of U.S. troops are returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom with symptoms of a brain injury. In fact, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is called the “signature injury” of the war 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. The Traumatic Brain Injury Training and Military Veteran’s Services Project is a resource for providers and families as they seek to understand the symptoms of and treatment for TBI.

Information and support is provided to military personnel returning to New York State from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. In addition, the Association offers training about traumatic brain injury to civilian and military service providers.  We continuously reach out to individuals and organizations who are already within the network of TBI service providers to encourage collaboration with veterans’ programs.

If you or a family member served in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom and were injured while you were deployed, we want to hear from you.