About Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention and Response Programs
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) works to prevent traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and support people who have experienced them.
A TBI happens when a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head disrupts how the brain normally works. These injuries can cause long-term physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.
In 2023, Minnesota reported approximately:
- 1,000 deaths related to TBI
- 4,400 hospitalizations for TBI
- 14,000 emergency department visits for TBI
Minnesota is committed to helping people recover and thrive after brain injury.
Using data to understand and prevent TBI
MDH collects and analyzes TBI data to better understand its impact across the state. This data shapes programs that focus on:
- Prevention
- Treatment and rehabilitation
- Connecting individuals to services and support
Data sources include:
- Death certificates
- MNTrauma: Minnesota’s trauma reporting system
- TBI Surveillance Feed: Near real-time reporting from electronic health records
Learn more about MNTrauma and the TBI Surveillance Feed at: Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Registry.
Data
Connecting people with support
Under Minnesota law, hospitals must report TBI cases to MDH. When a report is received, MDH or a partner organization may reach out to the person or their family to share available support services.
This connection process is called resource facilitation.
Right now, the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance provides resource facilitation, offering people with TBIs and their families emotional support, help to finding treatments, education, and more.
Learn more or sign up at: Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance Resource Facilitation
Contact us
Have questions or need more information? Email: health.injuryprevention@state.mn.us
