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National Veterans Foundation launches WhatIsTBI.com and a new hotline to educate the public about the silent epidemic of Traumatic Brain Injury

Published June 24th, 2011

Services offer resources against TBI, which affects nearly four million civilians and Veterans each year

May 11, 2011 – Los Angeles, Calif. - The National Veterans Foundation is proud to announce the launch of www.WhatIsTBI.com, and new hotline, (800) 366-8823, to educate the public and military community about the catastrophic effects of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

NVF has partnered with TBI expert Dr. Chrisanne Gordon to create an informative website and hotline that offer awareness of TBI’s lifelong medical and psychological effects.

TBI is a brain injury stemming from an external force which leads to temporary or permanent impairments in cognitive, behavioral, and physical functions, with outcomes ranging from complete recovery to permanent disability or death.

Symptoms include headaches, photophobia, ringing in the ears, sleep disturbance and dizziness. Additional effects include losses in memory, mental processing skills and reaction times. Veterans stricken with TBI face unemployment, divorce, violent behavior, depression and suicide at rates higher than non-Veterans with TBI.

TBI has affected 20% of the 1.5 million troops who have fought in Iraq or Afghanistan. The injury has led to the deaths of between 30 and 50 percent of soldiers who have fought in Iraq. However, TBI is not limited to combat injuries, as recreational activities lead to 3.8 million civilian cases each year. In toddlers, falls are the most common cause of TBI, while in older children, bicycle and auto accidents are leading causes.

WhatIsTBI.com, and the hotline, (800) 366-8823, offer information, screening tools, vital resources, diagnoses, treatment options and a newsletter distributing headlines and medical news about TBI.
For more information, contact Bill Morgan at (213) 261-8233, or by e-mailing bmorgan@nmdgi.com.

National Veterans Foundation:
The National Veterans Foundation is a Veterans Service Organization that has served America’s Veterans for over 25 years. Their experienced and trained staff has helped over 350,000 Veterans in crisis. NVF serves the crisis management, information and referral needs of all U.S. Veterans and their families.
Programs include Lifeline for Vets, Street Team Outreach Program, Advocacy Program, Jobs for Vets and NVF Feeds LA Homeless Program.
NVF’s founder, Shad Meshad, is a Veteran and one of the country’s most sought-after experts on Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. He has made numerous media appearances.