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Brain Injury Association of Arizona outlines veteran services and rapid‑test options in Surprise presentation
Summary
Luke Fadell, director of veteran services at the Brain Injury Association of Arizona, told the Surprise Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission that the nonprofit provides statewide, no‑cost referrals, peer groups and caregiver supports and described rapid blood‑based concussion screening options for use by first responders and hospitals.
Luke Fadell, director of veteran services for the Brain Injury Association of Arizona, told the Surprise Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission on June 10 that his nonprofit provides statewide, no‑cost services for people with brain injury and for their families.
"We roughly make over 900 referrals per month regarding resources for brain injury across the state," Fadell said, describing a vetted database of neuro resources and local service providers used for warm handoffs.
Fadell outlined a mix of services aimed at veterans and civilians: a helpline answered weekdays, virtual and in‑person peer groups, caregiver respite and education, lunch‑and‑learn trainings, and a slate of pilot programs that include TBI screenings and full assessments at community service campuses. He emphasized that the organization provides both clinical referrals and practical help — for example, connecting callers to vetted contractors and obtaining emergency grants when needed.
The presentation cited a long‑term need for services: Fadell said about 585,000 veterans have an indication of a brain injury from their service and that many veterans wait seven to 10 years to seek help. "Organizations like us and local councils that are willing to work with veterans and provide services are going to be essential for those next generations of veterans," he said.
Fadell also described rapid, point‑of‑care testing used to evaluate possible concussions. He discussed the I‑STAT device — a 15‑minute finger‑stick blood test used by some military and hospital systems — and mentioned more extensive laboratory tests for proteins such as tau that can help identify severe brain injury. In response to commissioners' questions, Fadell said some community hospitals already have blood tests available, and he encouraged agencies to pursue grants or partnerships if device cost is a barrier.
Commissioners asked about age limits and outreach. Fadell said the veterans program typically serves people aged about 17 and older and that for younger children BIAA refers to pediatric partners such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital. He described partnerships with VA caseworkers, vocational rehabilitation and county workforce programs.
Fadell closed by offering resource details and contact options: the helpline is staffed Monday through Friday, and BIAA maintains walk‑in hours at its Ability360 campus office in Phoenix and accepts referrals from community partners.
The commission thanked Fadell for the briefing; no formal action was required.
