Raleigh -- July 23, 2026: North Carolina has launched a comprehensive statewide initiative designed to improve care, expand support services and strengthen prevention efforts for residents living with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), a condition that can have life-altering effects on individuals, families and caregivers.
The North Carolina Traumatic Brain Injury State Action Plan, which took effect July 1, 2026, provides a roadmap through 2029 for improving access to services, expanding community resources and strengthening collaboration among health care providers, state agencies and local organizations. The initiative is administered through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services.
According to NCDHHS, a traumatic brain injury occurs when a bump, blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. While some TBIs are considered mild, others can result in permanent disabilities affecting memory, concentration, speech, movement, emotions and the ability to perform everyday activities independently. In severe cases, traumatic brain injuries can be fatal.
State health officials identified four primary priorities in the action plan:
Improve access to services for individuals living with traumatic brain injuries.
Strengthen support for providers and clinicians through education and expanded resources.
Increase support for people with traumatic brain injuries and their caregivers.
Equip communities with better tools to prevent traumatic brain injuries before they occur.
The plan outlines numerous initiatives intended to improve care across North Carolina over the next four years.
Among the first is the implementation of an Online Brain Injury Screening and Support System, designed to help identify individuals who may have experienced a traumatic brain injury and connect them with appropriate services earlier in the recovery process.
Additional goals include expanding community-based services, strengthening peer and caregiver support programs, improving education and training for health care professionals, increasing public awareness, and developing a more coordinated statewide network of resources for people affected by traumatic brain injuries.
The state also plans to measure progress through performance benchmarks, including increasing the number of individuals receiving TBI-related services, expanding screening efforts and evaluating outcomes throughout the life of the plan.
Falls remain North Carolina's leading cause of traumatic brain injuries
According to NCDHHS, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, TBI-related hospitalizations and TBI-related deaths in North Carolina. Older adults, particularly those 75 years of age and older, face a significantly higher risk because age-related changes in balance, strength, vision and medication use can increase the likelihood of serious falls.
Health officials also identify several populations that may face an increased risk of traumatic brain injury, including veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, formerly incarcerated individuals and survivors of domestic violence.
While the new action plan focuses primarily on improving diagnosis, treatment, support services and statewide coordination, health experts continue to emphasize that preventing falls remains one of the most effective ways to reduce traumatic brain injuries among older adults.
Simple preventive measures—including regular vision exams, medication reviews, improving lighting in the home, removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars where appropriate, participating in balance and strength exercises, and using assistive devices when recommended—have all been shown to lower the risk of falls.
Many North Carolina communities also offer evidence-based fall prevention programs through local senior centers, Area Agencies on Aging and community health organizations. Programs focusing on balance, mobility and strength training have demonstrated success in helping older adults remain independent while reducing the likelihood of serious injuries.
A growing public health challenge
As North Carolina's population continues to age, health officials anticipate an increasing need for coordinated services that address both the immediate and long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries.
The new State Action Plan represents a coordinated effort to improve access to care, strengthen the health care workforce, expand community support systems and increase awareness about traumatic brain injuries across the state.
Officials say the initiative is intended not only to improve recovery and quality of life for those already living with a traumatic brain injury, but also to encourage greater awareness of injury prevention and the importance of recognizing symptoms early.
For many North Carolinians, particularly older adults and their families, maintaining strength, balance, home safety and regular preventive health care may be among the most effective steps in reducing the risk of a traumatic brain injury before it occurs.
For more information about the North Carolina Traumatic Brain Injury State Action Plan and available resources, visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website.