There are 245,621 Pennsylvanians living with brain injury, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control. Every year in Pennsylvania, there are an estimated 2,223 fatalities due to traumatic brain injury. A total of 10,463 Pennsylvanians are hospitalized each year due to traumatic brain injuries sustained in car accidents, work place accidents, falls, assaults, sports accidents and other injuries. Another 49,505 are treated in hospital emergency rooms for concussion and mild brain injury. It is estimated that each year, 8,612 Pennsylvania citizens become severely disabled by brain injury.

Brain injury affects the way the brain works, which can alter thinking skills, physical abilities, and emotional functioning. Many people who are affected are young, and the resulting disability is life-long. Also affected by this disability are the family members of each person. Brain injury is a major health problem that touches us all. It affects the social welfare system, the educational system, the labor system, and the criminal justice system. There is great need for reform of how these systems respond to the needs of people with brain injury, and this can only be accomplished by joining forces and speaking with one voice. Much can be done to improve life after brain injury through ensuring proper access to rehabilitation, and development of appropriate social support networks.

In 2001, the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania was formed as a 501(c)(3) membership organization with a dedicated Board of Directors. The Association's mission is to prevent brain injury and improve the quality of life for people who have experienced brain injury and their family members through support, education,  advocacy, and research. The work of the Association is accomplished through paid professional staff and hundreds of volunteers. The Association is the official Pennsylvania state chartered affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America. The official registration and financial information of the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania, Inc., may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.