Protection and Advocacy System has received a three year federal grant to provide advocacy services to persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The grant award of $50,000 per year was recently announced by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

The New Mexico P&A is one of 25 state P&A programs around the country to receive a HRSA grant for TBI services. Eventually, HRSA hopes to have sufficient funds to award such a grant to each P&A in the U.S.

It is estimated that there are around 36,000 persons in New Mexico who have had a significant brain injury, and 9,000 incidents of TBI are seen in emergency rooms each year. The new grant will allow P&A to promote access to appropriate community services, and to address other relevant problems such as employment discrimination.

In developing the proposal that led to the grant, P&A received valuable input from the Brain Injury Advisory Council, the Brain Injury Association of New Mexico, and others interested in TBI issues. P&A intends to maintain a partnership with these groups as it carries out the project.

To obtain services under the new TBI program at P&A, or to refer someone for services, call the P&A office at (505) 256-3100 or 1-800-432-4682 toll-free state-wide. One of our intake staff will be happy to discuss your concerns.