Traumatic Brain Injury

Tennessee's Traumatic Brain Injury Program addresses the needs of those individuals who have sustained a brain injury, their families, and caregivers.

About the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program

The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program was established by the Tennessee General Assembly to address the needs of those individuals who have sustained a brain injury, their families and caregivers.

What is a TBI?

Traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI, is an acquired brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI frequently results from motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries, falls, and assaults.

Injuries as a result of a TBI can cause partial to total impairment or disability. People with a brain injury can experience physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental issues. Depending on which area of the brain is injured, people may suffer from poor short-term memory and difficulty with organization, concentration, and judgment. They may also experience headaches, seizures, and decreased muscular strength and coordination.

Traumatic brain injuries not only affect individuals but can also have lasting effects on families and communities.

The Facts

  • TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States.
  • Approximately 2.87 million new traumatic brain injuries occur each year in the United States.
  • Each year, approximately 25,000 Tennesseans sustain a traumatic brain injury.
  • Traumatic brain injury is sometimes also called “closed head injury,” “concussions,” or “mild TBI.”
  • A concussion is the most common type of brain injury.
  • Males are twice as likely as females to sustain a TBI.
  • In Tennessee, the three leading causes of TBI are falls, motor vehicle accidents, and homicide or violent injuries.

Brain Injury Listserv 

The state of Tennessee Brain Injury Listserv provides state and national information on traumatic brain injury, resources, services, and supports.

If you would like to join the free listserv, please email Ashley Chandler at Ashley.Chandler@tn.gov to be added.

Program Contact

Ashley Chandler
Program Director, Traumatic Brain Injury
Ashley.Chandler@tn.gov
(615) 741-1230

For more information on the Traumatic Brain Injury Program, call the TBI Hotline at 1-800-882-0611.

Brain Injury State Partnership Grant

In June 2018, the Tennessee Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Program was awarded a three-year Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership grant from the Administration for Community Living. The goal of this grant is to create and strengthen a system of services and supports that maximizes the independence, well-being, and health of people with TBI across the lifespan.

The state TBI Program was built on services developed through a previous Health Resources and Services Administration grant, called Project BRAIN. The grant focused on improving educational outcomes for children with brain injuries in Tennessee. It provides education and training for educators, families, and health care professionals who support students with TBI.

In addition to enhancing the existing system of services and supports, the Brain Links project also focuses on:

  • Person-centered planning
  • Development of a trained TBI workplace

The Brain Links staff is a statewide team of brain injury specialists. They provide research-based training and tools to help professionals better serve people with TBI.

Grant partnerships include:

  • Tennessee Disability Coalition
  • Tennessee Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Tennessee Department of Education

Learn More

External links and accessibility notice:
Some of the resources listed below link to external websites not managed by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or privacy practices of these external sites.

Read the Brain Links Grant Summary – A summary of the Brain Links grant

Download the Brain Links Flyer – Flyer with program details 

Visit the Brain Links Website – More information about Brain Links

Explore the Tennessee Community Snapshot (2019) – Brain injury education for professionals serving people with TBI of all ages

Brain Injury Camps

The TBI Program partners with Easter Seals Tennessee to sponsor weekend and weeklong camps for youth and adult survivors of brain injury. These camps provide social and recreational opportunities in a beautiful, accessible setting.

Camp activities include:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Swimming
  • Hiking
  • Games
  • Boating

Scholarships are available through the state TBI Program. There is a $100 application fee per camper.

For more information or to request an application:

TBI Service Coordination

What is TBI Service Coordination?

TBI Service Coordination is a free program that helps people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) access the care, services, and resources they need to live healthier, more independent lives.

What Do TBI Service Coordinators Do?

TBI Service Coordinators:

  • Develop a comprehensive plan of care
  • Provide referrals to available resources and services
  • Help people apply for and access services
  • Advocate for individuals and families
  • Coordinate services and manage support groups
  • Bridge gaps in the service delivery system

They also provide case management services and work with families to ensure continuity of care.

Who is Eligible for TBI Service Coordination?

You may qualify for TBI Service Coordination if you:

  • Live in Tennessee, and
  • Have a traumatic brain injury (TBI)

TBI Service Coordination is provided free of charge.

How to Get Started

TBI Service Coordinators are available to advocate for people with brain injuries and their families and help them access needed programs and services.

For more information:

  • Call the statewide TBI helpline: 1-800-882-0611
  • Contact your local TBI Service Coordinator using the map below

TBI Service Coordinaton Map

There are seven (7) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Service Coordinators located in nonprofit agencies across Tennessee. These coordinators work with people who have a brain injury and their families to assess needs and connect them with resources.

Use the map below to find contact information for your local TBI Service Coordinator.
To enlarge the map, select the image below.

A color-coded map of Tennessee showing Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Service Coordinator regions and the counties each coordinator serves. The map highlights six coordinators: Jimmie Lee Morris for West Tennessee; Holland Camara for Disability Rights Tennessee; Rick Hall for Disability Rights Tennessee; Patty Cruze for Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center; Asia Burks for Regional One Health; Laura Hall for Chattanooga Area Brain Injury Association; and Fredda Roberts for the Crumley House. Each coordinator’s contact information and assigned counties are listed below the map.
This image shows a color-coded map of Tennessee divided into regions for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Service Coordination. The map highlights major cities and shows which coordinator serves each region. Below the map, six TBI Service Coordinators are listed—Jimmie Lee Morris, Holland Camara, Rick Hall, Patty Cruze, Asia Burks, Laura Hall, and Fredda Roberts—along with their phone numbers, emails, and the counties they cover. The graphic states that Tennessee residents with a TBI qualify for free service coordination through the Tennessee Department of Health.

Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council

The TBI Advisory Council was organized in accordance with the legislation to provide advice and guidance to the TBI Program staff. The nine-member Council is appointed by the Governor and includes representatives from the Departments of Education, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and Human Services. An additional member is a health care professional who provides direct care to persons with TBI. Five members represent the category of TBI survivor, family member, or primary caregiver. The Council was organized in 1994 and has met quarterly since that time.

The 2025 TBI Advisory Council is comprised of the following members:

Council Member Category Representation
Amy Beth Boulware Survivor, Family Member, Primary Caregiver
Michelle Batchelder Survivor, Family Member, Primary Caregiver
Stephanie Congo Survivor, Family Member, Primary Caregiver
Alicia Fitts Survivor, Family Member, Primary Caregiver
Dr. Brian Potter Survivor, Family Member, Primary Caregiver
Avis Easley TN Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services/Disability and Aging
Allyson Collins TN Department of Education
Dr. CJ Plummer Health Care Professional/Provider
Jennifer Sawyer TN Department of Human Resources/Vocational Rehab

For more information about the TBI Advisory Council, including how to become a member, call the TBI Holtline at 1-800-882-0611 or email Ashley Chandler at Ashley.Chandler@tn.gov.

Upcoming TBI Advisory Council Meetings

  • May 11, 2026
  • August 10, 2026
  • November 9, 2026

Past TBI Advisory Council Meetings

Meeting Agendas

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Recordings

Tennessee Sports Concussion Law

In April 2013, Tennessee became the 44th state to pass a sports concussion law designed to reduce youth sports concussions and increase awareness of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

To read the legislation, please visit the Tennessee Code Annotated, Sections 68-55-501 through 68-55-503.

The Tennessee Sports Concussion Law is designed to protect young athletes by managing and preventing concussions. The legislation has three key components:

  1. Education and Training - Directors, coaches, youth athletes, and their parents/guardians must receive education about concussions and head injuries. Training covers: how to recognize signs and symptoms, the potential long-term consequences, what to do when a concussion is suspected. Training materials and resources are provided to ensure everyone is informed.
  2. Removal from Play - Any youth athlete suspected of a concussion during a practice or game must be removed from play immediately. They cannot return to play on the same day, allowing time for evaluation and recovery.
  3. Health Care Provider Clearance - Before returning to play, a youth athlete must be evaluated by a health care provider trained in concussion management. The provider must give written clearance confirming the athlete is symptom-free and has completed a gradual return-to-play protocol.

Sample Policies, Forms, and Guidelines

External links and accessibility notice:
Some of the resources listed below link to external websites not managed by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or privacy practices of these external sites.

American Academy of Pediatrics – Return to Learning Following a Concussion: Clinical Report 

Graduated Return to Play Following a Concussion: Sports Competition (PDF)

CDC HEADS UP: Guidelines and Recommendations

CDC HEADS UP: Returning to Sports

CDC HEADS UP: Returning to School After a Concussion

Training Resources

The following trainings have been approved by the Tennessee Department of Health as online concussion recognition and head injury safety education courses. Completing one of these trainings on an annual basis fulfills the training requirements for all coaches and athletic directors as required by the Tennessee Youth Sports Concussion Law.

External links and accessibility notice:
Some of the resources listed below link to external websites not managed by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or privacy practices of these external sites.

HEADS UP to Youth Sports Coaches: Online Concussion Training

HEADS UP to Youth Athletic Trainers: Online Concussion Training

HEADS UP to Schools: Online Concussion Training for School Professionals (for classroom teachers (grades K-12), school administrators, paraprofessionals, teachers’ aides, and other staff who work with students)

HEADS UP: Online Training for Health Care Providers

National Federation of State High School Associations – Concussion in Sports Training

Safe Stars Initiative

The Safe Stars initiative recognizes youth sports leagues throughout Tennessee for providing the highest level of safety for their young athletes. Safe Stars has three levels: gold, silver, and bronze. It involves implementing policies around topics such as concussion education, weather safety, and injury prevention. For more information, visit the Safe Stars Initiative webpage.

Additional Concussion Resources

External links and accessibility notice:
Some of the resources listed below link to external websites not managed by the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH). TDH is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or privacy practices of these external sites.

Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA)

Brain Links Program

CDC HEADS UP

National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA)

Resources

Program Documents

TBI Annual Reports

Infographics 

External TBI Resources

Brain Injury Association of America

Brain Injury Association of Tennessee

Brain Links

TBI Program Information Clearing House

The TBI Program is the central office for brain injury information in the state. Numerous materials, including articles, books, videos, and pamphlets, are available to survivors, family members, and professionals. A comprehensive resource directory. The Traumatic Brain Injury Services Directory and Resource Guide is distributed statewide. A toll-free number (1-800-882-0611) is available to give immediate information regarding traumatic brain injury to individuals all across Tennessee.

TBI Support Groups

For more information regarding virtual and in-person support groups, please contact your local TBI Service Coordinator or call the TBI Hotline at 1-800-882-0611.

This Page Last Updated: March 26, 2026 at 3:44 PM