{"id":383054,"date":"2026-02-27T14:04:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T21:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/co4kids.org\/?p=383054"},"modified":"2026-02-27T14:04:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T21:04:28","slug":"brain-injury-press-release-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/co4kids.org\/es\/news-press\/brain-injury-press-release-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Over Half a Million Coloradans Affected by Brain Injury \nGain Access to More Supports"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Over Half a Million Coloradans Affected by Brain Injury \nGain Access to More Supports<\/h1><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Colorado Department of Human Services Highlights OBISSS for Brain Injury Awareness Month<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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DENVER (February 23, 2026) <\/strong>\u2014 Marking the start of Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is showcasing a brain injury screening tool that can be used at home or with the help of a professional. The Online Brain Injury Screening and Support System (OBISSS)<\/a> is a free, confidential self-assessment platform that helps individuals identify urgent needs following a brain injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The state has recognized Brain Injury Awareness Month since 2016. This year\u2019s theme is \u201cBrain Injury: Recognize the Signs, Access the Tools, Own Your Story,\u201d and is dedicated to reducing associated stigma and immediately connecting Coloradans to vital screening and support services through the easy-to-use OBISSS digital tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The need for accessible resources like OBISSS is clear. Half a million Coloradans are currently living with a disability caused by a brain injury, and more than 5,000 are hospitalized each year. Colorado currently ranks ninth in the nation for deaths due to traumatic brain injury (TBI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBrain injuries can impact anyone, but the effects are often invisible, long-term, and misunderstood,\u201d said Russha Knauer, director of MINDSOURCE Brain Injury Network, a program within the Office of Children, Aging, and Community Services at CDHS. \u201cOBISSS is a vital resource that takes the guesswork out of what comes next. It brings understanding and provides tangible support for the hundreds of thousands of Coloradans living with life-altering impacts from brain injuries.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developed by MINDSOURCE, the OBISSS screens for lifetime history of and ongoing difficulties caused by both non-traumatic and traumatic brain injuries. It is available to individuals curious about their history and to organizations that provide any type of client service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The issue is especially acute for vulnerable populations, who often face compounding challenges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n