RALEIGH, N.C. (WHKY) — North Carolinians living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) will have greater access to services, support and screening resources under a new statewide action plan from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).

The 2026–2029 Traumatic Brain Injury State Action Plan, which took effect July 1, outlines a four-year strategy to improve care through expanded community services, stronger provider support, increased caregiver resources and enhanced prevention efforts.

“Really listening to those most impacted by TBI was essential to developing strategies that will improve their quality of life,” said Kelly Crosbie, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. “Our goal is to create a system of care that allows people living with brain injuries to lead the life they choose with dignity while staying in their homes and communities.”

According to NCDHHS, traumatic brain injuries can result from a bump, blow or jolt to the head and may cause long-term problems with memory, movement, emotions and daily living. Falls remain the leading cause of TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths across North Carolina.

State data from 2024 shows:

• More than 32,000 emergency department visits related to TBI.
• 8,260 TBI-related hospitalizations.
• 2,668 TBI-related deaths.

Older adults, particularly those age 75 and older, are among the groups most vulnerable to fall-related brain injuries.

One of the first initiatives under the new plan is the launch of the Online Brain Injury Screening & Support System (OBISSS) on Aug. 1. The free online screening tool, available for people ages 10 and older, is designed to help identify possible brain injury-related challenges, provide recovery strategies and connect users with available services and community resources.

NCDHHS has purchased a one-year subscription allowing up to 5,000 screenings annually and says it plans to continue offering the service beyond the initial year. The department will also host a public webinar on July 29 to demonstrate how the screening system works.

Officials say data collected through the screening program will help improve statewide planning, increase awareness of brain injuries and better identify community needs.

The action plan also includes efforts to strengthen the provider workforce, expand caregiver and peer support programs, improve access to community-based services and increase public education aimed at preventing traumatic brain injuries.

State leaders say the plan establishes measurable goals through 2029 to improve outcomes and help more North Carolinians living with traumatic brain injuries receive the care and support they need while remaining in their communities.

[Information from a news release courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services]