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Focus on Health Equity and Action

National Expert Panel Discussion on TBI and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Morbidity and Mortality among Vulnerable Veterans


by David Cifu, MD ; Leonard Egede, MD, MS ; Bennet Omalu, MD, MPH ; Uchenna Uchendu, MD
Seminar date: 6/30/2016

Description: Veterans are more likely than non-Veterans to experience traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health problems are common among Veterans diagnosed with TBIs. Recent studies suggest a long term link between mild TBI and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative disease in people who have experienced repeated or severe head injuries (e.g., blast related injuries, concussions). This moderated panel discussion will feature national TBI and CTE experts who will explore the disparate impact of CTE on Veterans as a result of TBI. The moderator will briefly discuss VHA’s role in reducing health disparities and the Health Equity Action Plan, VA’s strategic plan to achieve health equity. Panelists will highlight CTE and TBI-related morbidity and mortality among vulnerable Veteran groups and answer questions submitted by the audience. A VA discussant with expertise in TBI-related equity issues will provide closing thoughts at the end of the panel discussion. Also, the panel moderator will highlight suggested actions that VA and stakeholders can take to reduce Veteran TBI disparities. Visit the Office of Health Equity website at www.va.gov/healthequity for more details about VA’s strategic plan to achieve health equity for Veterans and to learn more about the Focus on Health Equity and Action Cyberseminar series. Target audience: Researchers, clinicians, care coordinators, educators, Veteran stakeholders and representatives of vulnerable Veteran groups who are interested in understanding and/or promoting equitable health among all Veterans.



DOWNLOAD: Request PDF Handout | Audio only (mp3) | transcript


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