Traumatic brain injury programs would run through 2031 and add Tribal grants

What does this do?

The bill extends funding authority for the CDC's traumatic brain injury (TBI) tracking work and for state grants through 2031, and renames the national tracking program after the late Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. The CDC would collect more data on how common TBIs are, their causes, higher-risk groups, occupation where relevant, and short- and long-term outcomes, and would post summarized, non-identifying TBI and concussion information and prevention tips on its website. It also updates the legal definition of TBI to cover oxygen loss caused by trauma and to exclude conditions people are born with or that come from aging-related disease.

Who does it affect?

People who have had a brain injury and their families, state and Tribal health programs that receive grants, and higher-risk groups such as survivors of violence, first responders, and others in dangerous jobs. Researchers and health agencies would also be affected through the new data and reports.

Why does it matter?

The state grant programs would be expanded to include Tribal governments. Two reports due within two years would examine data gaps for higher-risk groups and the long-term effects of TBI, including links to dementia and mental health conditions.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Funding authorized through 2031
• Dollar amounts set in yearly spending bills