If you or someone you know suffers from traumatic brain injury, Kansas health leaders would like to know. They also want to hear your stories and find out how they can help.

In Kansas:

• 2,500 residents are hospitalized each year because of TBI.

• 600 die.

The Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, in partnership with the Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City, are sponsoring public forums to develop a five-year strategic plan for the coordination and allocation of limited public and private resources to help people with traumatic brain injury.

These injuries can result in physical, psychological, behavioral or emotional impairments and may be temporary or permanent.

“We want to get as much public input as possible for this project. We know that people with TBI, as well as their friends, family, and caregivers, know best what services they need.”

— Betsy Johnson, executive director of the Brain Injury Association

The forums are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend and breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided free.

The forums will be:

• Feb. 10 — Doubletree Hotel in Overland Park, 10100 College Blvd.

• Feb. 16 — Sedgwick County Extension Education Building in Wichita, 7001 W. 21st St.

• Feb. 24 — Ramada Convention Center in Topeka, 420 SE Sixth Ave.

• Online — Surveys are available at www.biaks.org/tbineeds.

Next:

Input gathered will be forwarded to the Kansas Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board, which will write the final strategic plan. The Advisory Board’s membership is comprised of people with brain injuries and their family members from across the state, as well as representatives from advocacy organizations, service providers and state agencies.

For more information or to register to attend, visit www.biaks.org/tbineeds or call the Brain Injury Association at 800-444-6443.