Advocating for Increased Investments in Services and Workforce in VA House and Senate Budgets
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RICHMOND, Va. - Virginir -- Brain Injury service providers across Virginia will be at the General Assembly January 29, 2025 requesting state-funding to address critical issues faced by brain injury service providers in the Commonwealth. Advocates are urging the Senate to include the $2.0 million to strengthening state-contracted safety net brain injury services to strengthen existing programs. A $985,000 increase is needed for workforce retention to ensure quality accessible services for people living with brain injuries. With a growing demand for these services across the state, there is an urgent need for additional case managers, clinical professional staff, logistical provisions, and other support to meet the growing demands for brain injury services across the state.

Programs have waiting lists for services and struggle to meet existing demands from this challenging population that requires specialized support. Strengthening support would allow services to expand within the geographic service areas where it remains difficult to serve due to population, territory size, and other logistical challenges. In some rural localities, one case manager can serve up to five counties and be the only service personnel in that area. High density urban areas are also underserved. For instance, in Hampton Roads, the second most populated area of the state, only two full-time case managers serve this area.

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State-contracted brain injury providers continue to report high attrition and difficulty filling open positions because of non-competitive salaries and benefits. When staff cannot be retained or hired due to low salaries, delivery of programs and services are impeded, which leads to the inability to meet client needs. Critical services can go unmet or are delayed.

"We look to the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate to recognize the critical need to support brain injury service providers and the individuals they serve," said Dan Reeves, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Virginia. "The funds to strengthen and expand access to essential services for those living with brain injuries across the Commonwealth are so necessary."

Including these provisions in the House and Senate budgets would make a significant step towards ensuring that individuals with brain injuries receive the support and services they need to thrive. As the budget process progresses, stakeholders remain committed to advocating for the appropriation of funds to address the challenges brain injury service providers and their clients face.

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About The Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV): BIAV is the only statewide non-profit organization in Virginia dedicated to serving individuals with brain injury, their families, and those who care for and about them. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, we strive to promote awareness and improve access to quality services for this underserved population.  For more information visit https://www.biav.net