S. 2898: Dennis John Benigno Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2025

The Dennis John Benigno Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to renew and expand initiatives related to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The bill proposes several updates to existing laws to enhance prevention, surveillance, and treatment of TBI across various populations.

Key Provisions of the Bill

1. Reauthorization of TBI Programs

The bill reauthorizes programs focused on traumatic brain injuries through the year 2030. This includes funding for preventive measures, data collection, and the establishment of registries to monitor TBI incidences.

2. Surveillance and Data Collection

The bill enhances the existing national program for TBI surveillance by:

• Including both the incidence and prevalence of TBIs.
• Expanding the focus to include reductions in related fatalities and injuries.
• Identifying populations at higher risk for TBIs, particularly due to occupational hazards.
• Gathering information on mental health issues correlated with TBIs.

3. Promotion of Public Awareness

The legislation mandates that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disseminate information on TBIs to the public. This information will include:

• Aggregated data on TBIs and the populations at risk.
• Strategies for preventing TBIs tailored to specific high-risk groups.

4. Support for State Programs

The bill offers support for states to create programs aimed at addressing traumatic brain injuries. It emphasizes:

• Grant opportunities for states to develop TBI-related outreach and prevention initiatives.
• The need for states to acknowledge and work with populations that are at higher risk for TBIs.

5. Maintenance of Federal Support

The bill stipulates that states and American Indian consortiums must maintain their funding levels for TBI activities to receive federal grants. This includes provisions for waiving matching fund requirements under certain circumstances.

6. Comprehensive Reporting Requirements

The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to submit reports to Congress detailing:

• Identified high-risk populations for TBIs.
• Current data collection activities and gaps, especially for marginalized groups.
• Challenges in outreach to high-risk populations.

7. Research on Long-Term Effects

The bill calls for a study exploring the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries, including:

• Incidence of chronic symptoms stemming from TBIs.
• Connections between TBIs and other conditions such as dementia.
• Review of existing services for individuals with long-term effects.
• Identification of research gaps concerning TBIs.

8. Amendments to Current Language and Definitions

In updating the legislation, changes are made to existing definitions and terms concerning TBIs, ensuring they reflect current understandings and needs.

Relevant Companies

• MDLZ (Mondelez International) - Involved in various health initiatives related to nutrition, which could align with TBI prevention programs.
• ABT (Abbott Laboratories) - A health care company that may be involved in developing treatments or diagnostics related to brain injuries.