OLYMPIA -- Traumatic brain injury survivors now have a program in Pierce County to help them with services during their recovery.

The Washington state Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership Advisory Council has a resource coordination pilot project to help Pierce County residents receive local services following their release from the hospital or rehabilitation center.

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

Pierce County coordinator Janelle Ryan said: "The resources are out there for survivors of TBI, but people don't always know where to find them. That is where we can step in. Not only can we point people in the right direction in terms of getting the services they need but we can also help them establish realistic goals. I would encourage anyone struggling with the aftermath of TBI to call the Helpline (1-877-TBI-1766). They can help determine if someone is eligible for the project and, for those who don't meet the criteria; the Helpline counselors can provide guidance."

The pilot project is funded through the Washington state TBI fund that was established by the state legislature in 2007. The fund receives $2 from all moving-vehicle violations collected in Washington. In addition to the resource coordination pilot, the fund also supports a statewide helpline 1-877-TBI-1766, website www.TBIWashington.org , support groups for survivors of a TBI and a governor appointed advisory council. The council advises the Department of Social and Health Services on planning and implementing TBI services for the state’s 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 that support TBI survivors and their caregivers. The project has coordinators in four counties including Pierce, Clark, King, and Spokane. The pilot project runs through June of this year.

To find out more information contact the statewide toll free TBI helpline at 1-877-TBI-1766 or 1-877-824-1766 or visit our website www.TBIWashington.org.

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