ISU provides community TBI screenings

BOISE—Idaho State University-Meridian senior research associate Russell Spearman and his volunteer team screened more than 100 people for traumatic brain injury or TBI at the AMEN Free Clinic in Boise, Sept. 12-14.

They screened adults ranging in age from 18 to 80 and referred 24 of them to low-cost clinics for follow up, including ISU’s Speech and Language and Counseling clinics.

The team consisted of 12 students representing nursing, physician assistant studies, speech language pathology, counseling and Institute of Rural Health administrative staff. This was the second year Spearman provided TBI screenings at the AMEN clinic which offered free dental, medical and health information services to more than 1,450 people in the Treasure Valley.

An estimated 35,000 Idahoans are living with a severe brain injury—defined by medical officials as a blow or trauma to the head that can affect various levels of cognitive function.

ISU is the state’s lead agency responsible for developing a comprehensive support system for TBI survivors, their families and caregivers.

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