title: Fighting the silent epidemic: the Florida Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program.
abstract: This article describes a statewide model program that provides a range of services for individuals with traumatic brain injury in Florida. The article answers questions regarding the organization, delivery, and financing of a system that includes surveillance data, case management, health services, a network of contractors, and a Medicaid waiver. With an annual budget of more than 15 million US dollars, the primary source of financing is a trust fund established through state statute with revenues from fines levied for driving while intoxicated. Lessons from Florida that will be useful to states as they respond to Olmstead and develop Medicaid waivers include (a) how a data registry laid the foundation for a service delivery system, (b) how early and aggressive case management has the potential for Medicaid savings, and (c) how a statewide system, critical mass of patients, and standards for providers can improve the quality of services for persons with traumatic brain injury.
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, 21250, USA. stuart@umbc.edu
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stuart
authors.forename: Ross
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zafonte
mesh_terms: D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D008331:Management Information Systems; D012042:Registries; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*