ISU Institute of Rural Health to Deliver Traumatic Brain Injury Education Sessions

Boise -The Idaho State University Institute of Rural Health will co-sponsor a live interactive "Traumatic Brain Injury Education" series to be video-cast Thursdays starting Feb. 6 and continuing until March 13. The sessions will be held at the ISU Boise Center, 12301 W. Explorer

Dr., suite 102, Room 141. Video-cast time is 2-3 p.m. each session for a total of six weeks. The series will cover topics on traumatic brain injury research, education and prevention and will be of interest to family members, private providers, state agency personnel and the general public who work with or have an interest in traumatic brain injuries.

Traumatic brain injury has become a major public health problem affecting millions of Americans. A traumatic brain injury results from acceleration or deceleration of the brain, including tearing of nerve fibers, bruising of brain tissue against the skull, brain stem injuries, and swelling of brain tissues. Some major causes of a traumatic brain injury include motor vehicle crashes, falls, and firearms. An estimated 2 million people receive traumatic brain injuries each year.

Speakers include: Allan Bergman, president and CEO, Brain Injury Association of America; Ginger Floerchinger-Franks, injury prevention specialist, Bureau of Health Promotion, Division of Health; Mary Hunter, grant officer/seat belt specialist, Office of Highway Safety, Idaho Transportation Department; Russell C. Spearman, senior research associate, ISU Institute of Rural Health, ISU Boise Center; Corinna Wolf, advocacy director, Comprehensive Advocacy Inc.; Michelle Featherston, vice president, Brain Injury Association of Idaho; Arla Farmer, alternative care coordinator, Division of Medicaid, Department of Health and Welfare; and Dr. Pennie Seibert, director of research, Idaho Neurological Institute, St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Boise. The sessions are free and seating is limited. For more information or to pre-register, contact Donna Parker, ISU Institute of Rural Health, 208-685-6768 or parkdonn@isu.edu.