HELP!!!! Please Save the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund!

IF YOU LIVE IN UTAH, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR LEGISLATOR ASAP!!!!

The Legislature proposes to cut the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund entirely as part of a total budget cut for Utah. THIS IS NOT GOOD because 5.3 million Americas live with disabilities resulting from from Traumatic Brain Injury and one million children sustain brain injuries every year ranging from mild to severe. This public health concern ranks as the leading cause of death and disability in children and adolescents in the United States.

Also, Traumatic brain injury has been labeled the signature injury of the Iraq War. As many as 20% of our soldiers are returning with TBI. The implications of understanding the effects of TBI are profound for a veteran's health. They will need extensive rehabilitation and the only way to pay for these benefits if from the TBI Fund.

The legislature is expected to meet on January 12, again on the 20th (this date could change). Executive Appropriations is expected to make final decisions on January 23rd. You need to contact committee members now. Many committee members are new and have not been given a good understanding of the serious needs of TBI survivors.

To find the telephone numbers or email address for your legislator go to http://www.utah.gov/government/legislative.html and just key in your location.