Colorado Department of Human Services Highlights OBISSS for Brain Injury Awareness Month
DENVER, CO (February 23, 2026) – Marking the start of Brain Injury Awareness Month, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is showcasing a brain injury screening tool that can be used at home or with the help of a professional. The Online Brain Injury Screening and Support System (OBISSS) is a free, confidential self-assessment platform that helps individuals identify urgent needs following a brain injury.
The state has recognized Brain Injury Awareness Month since 2016. This year’s theme is “Brain Injury: Recognize the Signs, Access the Tools, Own Your Story,” and is dedicated to reducing associated stigma and immediately connecting Coloradans to vital screening and support services through the easy-to-use OBISSS digital tool.
The need for accessible resources like OBISSS is clear. Half a million Coloradans are currently living with a disability caused by a brain injury, and more than 5,000 are hospitalized each year. Colorado currently ranks ninth in the nation for deaths due to traumatic brain injury (TBI).
“Brain injuries can impact anyone, but the effects are often invisible, long-term, and misunderstood,” said Russha Knauer, director of MINDSOURCE Brain Injury Network, a program within the Office of Children, Aging, and Community Services at CDHS. “OBISSS is a vital resource that takes the guesswork out of what comes next. It brings understanding and provides tangible support for the hundreds of thousands of Coloradans living with life-altering impacts from brain injuries.”
Developed by MINDSOURCE, the OBISSS screens for lifetime history of and ongoing difficulties caused by both non-traumatic and traumatic brain injuries. It is available to individuals curious about their history and to organizations that provide any type of client service.
The issue is especially acute for vulnerable populations, who often face compounding challenges:
- A total of 1251 OBISS screens were completed statewide between January and December 2025. Of these, 1043 (83%) were positive and 208 were negative.
- Approximately 60% of individuals within the criminal legal system have a history of brain injury.
- Over half of the people experiencing homelessness report a history of brain injury.
- 50% of people living with a brain injury will receive a mental health diagnosis.
When a person screens positive, OBISSS immediately provides:
- Personalized tips and strategies for managing ongoing difficulties.
- Contact information for the Brain Injury Association of Colorado for support.
- Details on how to use the MINDSOURCE website to connect with a comprehensive range of services.
“MINDSOURCE elevates the voices and lived expertise of the brain injury community,” said Dr. Meghan Stidd, Director of the Division of Community Programs in the Office of Children, Adults, and Community Services. “By leading with innovative systems like OBISSS, we empower individuals to take control of their stories and access the support necessary to thrive by addressing their specific and unique needs.”
This month serves as a crucial reminder for all Coloradans to recognize the signs of brain injury and utilize available tools like OBISSS.
MINDSOURCE strives to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Colorado living with or affected by brain injury, and their communities. Housed within CDHS, MINDSOURCE manages the Colorado Brain Injury Trust Fund, provides training and technical assistance, and facilitates the Colorado Advisory Council on Brain Injuries and the implementation of the Colorado State Plan on Brain Injuries.
Media contact:
Adrienne Baxter
Recruitment and Retention Communications Specialist
Colorado Department of Human Services
Office of Children, Aging and Community Services
adrienne.baxter@state.co.us
720.202.5923