TBI council and tribal member describe high prevalence of traumatic brain injury among incarcerated people
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Summary
Kim Connor (TDI coordinator) and Tammy Cooper Woodridge (Nooksack tribal member) told the council that TBI is common among justice-involved people and described service gaps in courts and detention settings; Kim cited a DOC pilot that found 79% of incarcerated people in the sample had a TBI.
The meeting included a presentation on traumatic brain injury (TBI) from Kim Connor, the TDI coordinator and liaison to the Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership Advisory Council, followed by personal testimony from Tammy Cooper Woodridge, a tribal member and TBI council member.
Connor described common symptoms of TBI — memory problems, difficulty learning new information, light and sound sensitivity and emotional regulation issues — and explained that these symptoms intersect with populations that are disproportionately affected (Native American communities, older adults, veterans and people in correctional settings). She said resources and trainings are available and that the council’s resource page includes links to support groups and nonprofit partners such as BRAIN NW.
Referencing a DOC pilot project (2020–2024), Connor said the program’s in-custody education and services identified that "79 percent of people that are incarcerated have a TBI, either coming in with a TBI or sustaining a TBI while incarcerated," and that the council has been piloting education and supports for staff and residents.
Tammy Cooper Woodridge shared a personal account linking domestic violence and TBI, discussed jurisdictional barriers for Native youth who encounter multiple law-enforcement agencies, and urged culturally informed reentry resources. She described how inconsistent data and multiple policing jurisdictions complicate continuity of care and reentry planning.
Council members asked how courts and defenders might work with TBI resources; Connor said the council is in early-stage conversations with court administrators and bar associations to raise awareness and develop training for attorneys and judges.
Connor and Tammy invited further partnerships and noted the TBI Council posts agendas and resources online; Connor said the council’s next meeting will be May 7 with an in-person hybrid meeting planned.