OLYMPIA -- Traumatic brain injury survivors now have a new service in Spokane to help them find services and support during their TBI recovery. Washington's Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership Advisory Council is sponsoring a resource coordination pilot project to help Spokane area residents find local services after they are released from the hospital or rehabilitation center.

The resource coordinators are trained professionals able to assess the needs of TBI survivors, develop a care plan and advocate for clients at no cost to eligible participants. The goal of the pilot project is to improve the quality of life for persons with TBI and their family members.

Spokane coordinator Cory Allan said, "We are trying to close the gaps and remove barriers to services for people and their families in Eastern Washington who have experienced a TBI."

The pilot project is funded through the Washington State TBI fund that was established by the state Legislature in 2007. The project is funded by collecting $2 from all moving-vehicle violations in the state. In addition to the resource coordination pilot, the fund supports a statewide helpline 1-877-TBI-1766, Web site www.TBIWashington.org, support groups for TBI survivors, and a governor-appointed advisory council. The council advises the Department of Social and Health Services on planning and implementing TBI services for survivors and caregivers.

The resource coordination project is looking for TBI survivors who were injured within the last 24 months. The coordinators are trained to evaluate and advocate for local services to help TBI survivors and their caregivers within their local community. The project has coordinators in four counties -- Spokane, Pierce, Clark, and King. The pilot project runs through June of this year to provide limited case management assistance.

To find out more information contact the statewide toll free TBI helpline at 1-877-TBI-1766 or 1-877-824-1766.

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