1. 2011-2012 Outreach to Veterans and Military Families Presented to Washington State TBI Conference 2012 Mark Fischer, TBI Project Manager, WDVA, Behavioral Health Timm Lovitt, TBI Field Coordinator, OEF & OIF Veteran

2. Objectives… 1.To increase awareness about the Veterans and Military Families TBI Outreach Project. 2.To explain current efforts and outcomes.

3. Background… 2007 The Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership Advisory Council is created by House Bill 2055.

4. Background… 2007 “…to advise the Governor, the Legislature, and the Secretary of the DSHS on the best ways to… promote optimal quality of life for all individuals with TBI and their families…”

5. Background… 20072008 The Council publishes, Recommendations for a Comprehensive Statewide Plan.

6. Background… 20072008 1.Continuing the foundational activities… 2.Create and improve access, coordination, and availability of essential services. 3.Build upon existing data, screening, and reporting systems.

7. Background… 200720082009 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, H.R. 1388, creates provisions for Veterans Corps. Focus is to enhance services for Veterans and their families.

8. Background… 200720082009 Washington State becomes the first state in the nation to create a Vet Corps program.

9. Background… 2007200820092010 The Council and the WDVA partner together to provide TBI outreach to Veterans and family members through the Vet Corps network.

10. Background… 2007200820092010 Three main areas of focus: 1.Deliver TBI information to Veterans and family members. 2.Build public awareness. 3.Improve access, coordination, and availability of essential services.

11. Background… 20072008200920102011 Project Outcomes for 2011: 1.77 TBI resource events were conducted. 2.Over 1,200 Washington residents received training on TBI. 3.103 Veterans and family members received direct service/support.

12. Project Focus for 2012… 1.Increase delivery of TBI information to Veterans and family members. 2.Continue to build public awareness. 3.Assist Veterans and family members in accessing essential services. 4.Survey Veterans and military families on TBI related needs. 5.Extend TBI outreach to homeless and incarcerated populations.

13. Project Outcomes for 2012… 1.Outreach has been extended to 70 sites. 2.Approx. 1,500 Washington State residents received TBI training and/or information. 3.76 Veterans and family members have received direct service/support in accessing essential services. 4.Survey for TBI survivor needs has received a 26% response rate.

14. Questions…

15. Thank You!