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Alabama rehabilitation officials say traumatic brain injury is widespread among first responders, urge screening and supervisor training
Summary
The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services reported FY25 registry counts showing 9,188 brain/spinal injuries and an estimated 102,000 Alabamians living with brain injury; ADRS urged TBI screening, confidentiality, expanded TBI centers and supervisor training to reduce stigma for first responders.
April Turner, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services’ state brain injury coordinator, told the Joint Interim Committees that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a chronic, often invisible condition with wide-ranging consequences and strong overlap with PTSD among veterans and first responders.
“TBI is a blunt force trauma to the head that is caused by an external force, such as a fall, blast, or MVA,” Turner said while outlining national classification and Alabama’s system of care. She described TBI as distinct from PTSD but readily comorbid: both can present with cognitive, mood and sleep symptoms.
Turner cited FY25 registry data…
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