• Between 2001-2005, Virginians' 65 and older had higher rates of TBI hospitalizations than any other age group. Eighty percent of the injuries among those 65 and older were attributed to falls.
• Virginians' aged 65 and older experienced a higher number of TBI related deaths than any other age group. Over half (51%) of these deaths were the result of a fall.
• The Virginia Department of Health, Division of Injury and Violence Prevention examined five years of Traumatic Brain Injury hospitalization and death data. This data review tells us that fall-related TBI among older adults is a serious public health problem that can rob older adults of their independence or cause death. The Virginia Injury Update: Traumatic Brain Injury 2001-2005 gives a clear picture of the problem and includes case studies and prevention tips. A companion piece, the Traumatic Brain Injury Fact Sheet, was developed and includes some highlights of the report.

Traumatic brain injury is a significant health concern for older adults. However, falls and traumatic brain injury can be prevented! During the month of March 2008, the Virginia Department of Health, Division of Injury and Violence Prevention (DIVP) will be raising awareness about fall and Traumatic Brain Injury prevention using radio and transit advertisement. The DIVP has partnered with 2-1-1 VIRGINIA and SeniorNavigator.org to respond to requests for additional information and resources.

2-1-1 VIRGINIA is the national abbreviated dialing code for free access to
health and human services information and referral (I&R). 2-1-1 is an
easy-to-remember and universally recognizable number that makes a critical connection between individuals and families in need and the appropriate community-based organizations and government agencies. 2-1-1 makes it possible for people in need to navigate the complex and ever-growing maze of human services' agencies and programs by making services easier to access. 2-1-1 encourages prevention and fosters self-sufficiency.

SeniorNavigator is a non-profit organization designed to help seniors and caregivers find the health and aging resources available to help. They have over 21,000 programs and services listed on their website (www.seniornavigator.org), as well as hundreds of informative articles. Topics on site include anything a senior or caregiver would need to know: anything from health, legal or financial information-to housing or health facilities-SeniorNavigator has it.

For more information about the VDH campaign, contact Leonard Recupero, Community Injury Prevention Coordinator, at leonard.recupero@vdh.virginia.gov or by telephone at 804-864-7734.

Visit the CDC web page for information on the national campaign.

To hear the radio ad, click here.
Click here to view the VRE Rail Transit Poster.