Missouri Needs Assessment for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

May 5, 2017

Every 5 years, the state of Missouri conducts a needs assessment that is used to inform the development of a Missouri Five Year Plan designed to improve services and supports for individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and their families. This year, needs assessments are being conducted with both TBI survivors and professionals who may provide supports and services to TBI survivors  through a collaborative effort between the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Brain Injury Association of Missouri, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development. By completing this online survey  you will be helping us develop a plan to improve access to comprehensive, multidisciplinary, coordinated, and easily accessible systems of care for folks with TBI (See Link below). We have also attached a paper copy of the survey for your convenience.  Your opinions and responses are very important to this effort!

Survey for professionals

Survey for TBI survivors and their families

Announcements from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy

May 2, 2017

What’s New

The Role of Medicaid in Rural AmericaA new brief from the Kaiser Family Foundation describes Medicaid’s role for 52 million children and nonelderly adults living in the most rural areas in the United States and discusses how expansions or reductions in Medicaid could affect rural areas. According to the report, Medicaid plays a central role in helping to fill gaps in private coverage in rural areas.  Although private insurance accounts for the largest share of health coverage in rural areas, nonelderly individuals in rural areas are less likely to have private insurance compared to those in urban and other areas (61% vs. 64% respectively). Medicaid  helps fill the gap in private coverage, covering nearly one in four (24%) nonelderly individuals in rural areas and, in many states, Medicaid coverage rates are higher in rural areas than in urban or other areas.

Awareness for Children’s Mental Health.  On Thursday, May 4th the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will focus on the importance of social, emotional, behavioral, and physical health needs of children, youth, and young adults.  A national broadcast scheduled for 7:00 pm ET will feature an interactive panel discussion on mental and behavioral health needs and effective strategies.  Last month, the CDC issued a report on mental and behavioral health for children as part of its series on health in rural areas.  On Wednesday, May 3rd, the Rural Health Information Hub will have a discussion of the report with Q&A. See events section below for details.

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