TBI council and tribal member describe high prevalence of traumatic brain injury among incarcerated people
March 12, 2026 | Board Council Commission Agencies , Executive, Washington
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The meeting included a presentation on traumatic brain injury (TBI) from Kim Connor, the TDI coordinator and liaison to the Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership Advisory Council, followed by personal testimony from Tammy Cooper Woodridge, a tribal member and TBI council member.
Connor described common symptoms of TBI — memory problems, difficulty learning new information, light and sound sensitivity and emotional regulation issues — and explained that these symptoms intersect with populations that are disproportionately affected (Native American communities, older adults, veterans and people in correctional settings). She said resources and trainings are available and that the council’s resource page includes links to support groups and nonprofit partners such as BRAIN NW.
Referencing a DOC pilot project (2020–2024), Connor said the program’s in-custody education and services identified that "79 percent of people that are incarcerated have a TBI, either coming in with a TBI or sustaining a TBI while incarcerated," and that the council has been piloting education and supports for staff and residents.
Tammy Cooper Woodridge shared a personal account linking domestic violence and TBI, discussed jurisdictional barriers for Native youth who encounter multiple law-enforcement agencies, and urged culturally informed reentry resources. She described how inconsistent data and multiple policing jurisdictions complicate continuity of care and reentry planning.
Council members asked how courts and defenders might work with TBI resources; Connor said the council is in early-stage conversations with court administrators and bar associations to raise awareness and develop training for attorneys and judges.
Connor and Tammy invited further partnerships and noted the TBI Council posts agendas and resources online; Connor said the council’s next meeting will be May 7 with an in-person hybrid meeting planned.
Connor described common symptoms of TBI — memory problems, difficulty learning new information, light and sound sensitivity and emotional regulation issues — and explained that these symptoms intersect with populations that are disproportionately affected (Native American communities, older adults, veterans and people in correctional settings). She said resources and trainings are available and that the council’s resource page includes links to support groups and nonprofit partners such as BRAIN NW.
Referencing a DOC pilot project (2020–2024), Connor said the program’s in-custody education and services identified that "79 percent of people that are incarcerated have a TBI, either coming in with a TBI or sustaining a TBI while incarcerated," and that the council has been piloting education and supports for staff and residents.
Tammy Cooper Woodridge shared a personal account linking domestic violence and TBI, discussed jurisdictional barriers for Native youth who encounter multiple law-enforcement agencies, and urged culturally informed reentry resources. She described how inconsistent data and multiple policing jurisdictions complicate continuity of care and reentry planning.
Council members asked how courts and defenders might work with TBI resources; Connor said the council is in early-stage conversations with court administrators and bar associations to raise awareness and develop training for attorneys and judges.
Connor and Tammy invited further partnerships and noted the TBI Council posts agendas and resources online; Connor said the council’s next meeting will be May 7 with an in-person hybrid meeting planned.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
