$100 Million For Brain Research

President Barack Obama has unveiled an initiative designed to revolutionize the understanding of the human brain.

Launched with approximately $100 million in the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget, the BRAIN (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) Initiative aims to help researchers find new ways to treat, cure, and even prevent brain disorders, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.

"I am thrilled to see President Obama prioritize the treatment and prevention of brain disorders like TBI through this new initiative," says U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), founder and co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. "We learned more about the brain in the last few years than we have over the last century, and this additional investment in research has the potential to bring relief to the individuals and families battling with injuries like TBI.”

Last month, Pascrell reintroduced the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act, legislation that advances the treatment and prevention of TBI. The bill was introduced as dozens of organizations from across the country descended on Capitol Hill to participate in the 12th annual Brain Injury Awareness Day.

“Brain injuries can affect anyone, from our bravest soldiers to our youngest athletes, so we must ensure they have access to the resources they need,” explains Pascrell. “By investing in research, we are making a commitment to protecting all Americans that suffer from this silent epidemic as well other devastating neurological conditions.”

Congress first passed the TBI Act in 1996 to help individuals with TBI, and their families, gain access to rehabilitation, long-term care, and community and family supports often needed for return to home, work, school and community activities. The law has been reauthorized and amended twice, in 2000 and 2008.