Congressional Brain Injury Champion Bill Pascrell Passes Away at 87

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J.), co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, passed away on Aug. 21, 2024, at the age of 87.

“We are deeply saddened by the news that Rep. Pascrell has passed away,” said Rick Willis, President and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA). “For decades, Rep. Pascrell has been a leader in advancing brain injury policy on Capitol Hill. He was a true ally to the brain injury community, and continuously helped our advocates push for greater access to care, expanded brain injury research and resources, and increased congressional awareness of important brain injury issues. BIAA will always be extremely grateful to Rep. Pascrell for his tireless support for the brain injury community. Our thoughts go out to his family, loved ones, and dedicated staff.”

In 2001, Rep. Pascrell co-founded the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, and had served as co-chair since its inception. The Task Force works to increase awareness of brain injury in the United States, supports research initiatives for rehabilitation and potential cures, and strives to address the effects these injuries have on all Americans. Rep. Pascrell also championed funding for programs at the Department of Defense that go towards traumatic brain injury research and treatment, such as the Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program, the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence. Most recently, Rep. Pascrell was the champion and House sponsor of the Dennis John Beningo Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act.