Representative Ferguson previously served as a member of the
Acquired Brain Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Commission created by the
Legislature in 2010. That commission
issued a report in December of 2011 identifying gaps in state services that led
to the implementation of reforms to address those shortfalls.
The new commission, which was created as part of the Fiscal Year 2019 state budget, will review data concerning the epidemiology of brain
injury. The commission will make
recommendations by June 30, 2019 for improving rehabilitative residential and
integrated community-based support services provided to individuals with
acquired brain injury and those suffering from traumatic brain injury.
“Representative Ferguson was instrumental in helping to bring
about many positive changes for Massachusetts residents affected by brain
injuries during her first term as a state representative,” said Representative
Jones. “I am confident she will continue
to play a prominent role in the commission’s efforts to identify additional
reforms that can be implemented to further improve the lives of brain-injured
individuals and their loved ones.”
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, more
than 3.5 million children and adults sustain an acquired brain injury each
year, while at least 2.5 million adults and children sustain a traumatic brain
injury. Acquired brain injuries typically occur as a result of a
stroke, aneurysm, tumor, or an infectious disease such as meningitis or encephalitis,
while traumatic brain injuries are typically caused by motor vehicle accidents,
sports injuries, assaults, and falls.
Representative Ferguson is one of four legislators serving
on the special commission, which will also include Secretary of Health and Human
Services Marylou Sudders; Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel; Massachusetts
Rehabilitation Commissioner Toni Wolf; Secretary of Elder Affairs Alice Bonner;
Secretary of Veterans Services Francisco Urena; and Brain Injury Association of
Massachusetts, Inc. Executive Director Nicole Godaire.
As part of its directive, the commission will study the “availability,
nature and adequacy” of a variety of services for the brain-injured, including:
acute and long-term medical and cognitive rehabilitation and outpatient
services; therapy services; residential nursing care; structured day treatment
and day activity programs; club programs; respite care services;
community-based housing; home-based services; family support programs; case
management; companion services; personal care attendant services; specialized
medical equipment and supplies; environmental modifications; counseling and
training; and prevocational services.
Representative Ferguson represents the First Worcester District,
which is comprised of the towns of Holden; Paxton; Princeton; Rutland; Precinct
1 in Sterling; and Precinct 2 in Westminster.
