Michelle Obama announced yesterday that medical schools will increase training of doctors and researchers of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. This new agreement is in relation to “Joining Forces” which encourages society’s support of military personnel and their families.
The national leader in traumatic brain injury research, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, is where the announcement was made on Wednesday. The university is also teaming up with Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center Veterans Affairs Hospital. More than 100 medical schools from the American Association of Medical College and 25 schools from the American Association of Osteopathic Medicine have committed to the initiative.
“I’m inspired to see our nation’s medical schools step up to address this pressing need for our veterans and military families,” Obama said. “By directing some of our brightest minds, our most cutting-edge research, and our finest teaching institutions toward our military families, they’re ensuring that those who have served our country receive the first-rate care that they have earned.”
The Department of Defense reports that 229,106 military personnel have been diagnosed with TBI since 2000.
During Obama’s announcement, she encouraged those who are struggling with TBI or PTSD to speak up and seek help. The investment in more training for traumatic brain injury is working to help those who need it.
The first lady closed her announcement by applauding the medical students, doctor and researchers in this new venture.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans, approximately 2% of the U.S. population, currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of traumatic brain injury.
If you have suffered from traumatic brain injury due to another person’s negligence, contact the Seattle personal injury lawyers at Davis Law Group today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation.