The San Diego Brain Injury Foundation (SDBIF) was founded in 1983 as the preeminent resource for brain injury survivors in San Diego County, as well as their caregivers and their families, to provide information, support, education, and community awareness. It is a non-profit organization under section 501(c)3. SDBIF works to improve the quality of life for brain injury survivors and their families living in San Diego County. Every year, more than 11,000 people in San Diego County are affected by brain injury. In the entire US, every 23 seconds someone suffers a brain injury, ultimately affecting over two million individuals annually. Brain injury is emerging as the most common trauma suffered in the current war in Iraq, even while improved body armor and equipment boost survival. SDBIF is concerned with help that goes beyond the immediate onset of the injury into life-care issues, as well as types and amounts of needed service. SDBIF provides: Free educational monthly meetings in central (Hillcrest) and north county (Encinitas)featuring speakers of special interest to the brain-injury community Hospital Outreach Program that distributes information to case workers, Discharge Planners and physicians at trauma centers and major institutions about our resources Howard House – a 24-hour, long-term residential-care facility for brain-injured survivors, located in Escondido A telephone helpline with information and referral to other agencies, programs, services and support groups. 619. 294.6541 A Newsletter with a circulation of 3,500+ Comprehensive Video Series on brain injury available free to survivors and their families. Publication: A Brain Injury Guide for Families in English and Spanish available to download for free