ATLANTA, JULY 24, 2008 – The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission releases its 2008 report “Brain and Spinal Injuries in Georgia: A Needs Assessment and State Action Plan”.

Brain and spinal injuries are a significant public health issue for the state of Georgia. These injuries affect more than 28,000 Georgians each year, resulting in substantial costs to the individual, the family, and the state in terms of decreased quality of life, lost wages, and need for services. While brain and spinal injuries can be devastating, it is possible for people with such injuries to live lives of independence and meaning within the community. To do so, however, requires a commitment at the local, state, and national level to develop a comprehensive, specialized, and coordinated system of care.