In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness Month, the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Medical Services (BMS), is raising awareness about the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBIW) Program and the in-home, community-based services available to eligible West Virginians living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
“The TBIW Program reflects DoHS’ commitment to ensuring West Virginians with traumatic brain injury can access services that support independence and stability in their homes and communities,” said Alex Mayer, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. “Increasing awareness of these services helps connect eligible individuals and families to meaningful supports that improve daily living and long-term outcomes.”
Traumatic brain injuries range from mild concussions to severe injuries and can result from falls, vehicle crashes, blunt trauma, violence, or other incidents, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. While prevention remains critical, early identification and connection to supportive services can significantly improve long-term outcomes and quality of life.
The TBIW Program provides in-home support for eligible West Virginians age three and older who meet medical and financial criteria. Services are designed to help individuals remain safely in their homes and communities while maintaining independence and stability. The program currently serves 96 participants and has no waiting list, meaning additional eligible individuals can access services without delay.
Our goal is to ensure individuals living with traumatic brain injury have the opportunity to live safely and independently in their own communities,” said Christy Donohue, DoHS Commissioner of the Bureau for Medical Services. “The TBI Waiver Program allows us to provide individualized support that strengthens stability for both participants and their families.”
In addition to waiver services, statewide resources are available through the Bureau for Behavioral Health and the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities TBI Services Program, which offers resource coordination, training, technical assistance, screenings, and assessments for individuals with brain injuries, as well as their families, caregivers, and service providers.
BMS also encourages preventive measures to reduce the risk of brain injury across all age groups, including wearing seatbelts and helmets, removing fall hazards in the home, improving lighting, and installing safety supports such as grab bars and handrails.
Individuals or families interested in learning more about eligibility or applying for services through the TBI Waiver Program can visit tbiwprogram.wv.gov.
