Wilt Named Brain Injury Association Legislator of the Year

Richmond- On Thursday Delegate Tony Wilt (R-Rockingham) was presented the Legislator of the Year award by the Brain Injury Association of Virginia at a ceremony in Richmond. He received the award for his work in successfully pursuing legislation benefitting individuals impacted by brain injury in both the 2020 and 2021 General Assembly Sessions.

“While I’m honored to receive this award, our success would not be possible without the support of our local Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley, the Brain Injury Association of Virginia and advocates like local resident Amanda Morris, who presented the idea for the 2021 legislation,” said Wilt “There is always more work to be done, but I’m happy to have played a part in advancing policy that allows those with a brain injury diagnosis to receive the appropriate treatment and services that will allow them to lead productive and happy lives. We’ve already heard some practical examples of how the 2020 bill is working to improve outcomes, so hearing those real stories makes these efforts all the more worth-while.”

“Each year, the Brain Injury Association of Virginia honors a member of the Virginia General Assembly for their outstanding public service and support of the brain injury community,” stated Anne McDonnell, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Virginia. “Delegate Wilt patroned bills to improve crisis responses and expand treatment options for persons with brain injury, and we are very grateful for his interest in and genuine care for those we serve.”

During the 2020 General Assembly Session Delegate Wilt advanced a bill to require a brain injury component be included in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for law enforcement. The intent is that a heightened awareness of brain injury and the ability to recognize signs and symptoms will lead to improved outcomes for those individuals that may be in crisis while suffering from a brain injury.

The most recent legislation Delegate Wilt carried in the 2021 Session modifies the current definition of brain injury for special education services to be more inclusive of acquired brain injuries, beyond only those obtained through external physical force. The current narrow definition may result in some students with an acquired brain injury not receiving the appropriate services or receiving services that are unnecessary. Both bills passed the General Assembly and were signed into law by Governor Northam.