HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 57

(By Delegates Compton, Leach, Hall and Douglas)

[Introduced April 3, 2001; referred to the

Committee on Rules.]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study of ways to establish a dedicated funding source for the provision of services to West Virginians with traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.

whereas, Each year in West Virginia, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are responsible for approximately 3,600 hospitalizations, 700 deaths and 600 long-term disabilities; there are approximately 1,300 West Virginians with spinal cord injuries (SCI) that affect their ability to function independently in their communities; 67% of SCI survivors are readmitted to the hospital an average of 2.7 times annually; and there are individuals with TBI or SCI who live in rural communities that have limited access to health care, employment, recreation and information; and
whereas, The estimated lifetime cost of services for an individual with TBI or SCI may exceed $4 million and range from $40,000 to $1,000,000 annually per injured person; and currently, limited funds are available for individuals with TBI or SCI to improve their quality of life; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to conduct a study: To review unmet needs of West Virginians with TBI or SCI; to find ways to establish dedicated funding to generate state revenues that could leverage federal dollars to be used to provide a broad based array of services to West Virginians with TBI and SCI; and to finds ways to facilitate interagency collaboration for expansion and coordination of services for those with TBI and SCI; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2002, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effect its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.