Correction: Rep. Giffords was transferred on Jan 26th. See http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/27/AR2011012701251.html.

On Friday morning, January 21, 2011 U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was transported to the TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital in Houston, Texas.  Recognized as one of the top-rated rehabilitation hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report, TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital has a 20-year history as the home to the Texas TBI Model System of TIRR funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).  There are currently 17 NIDRR-funded TBI Model Systems throughout the country.  The JFK-Johnson Rehabilitation Institute TBI Model System located in Edison, New Jersey is also listed as one of the top-rated rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.

The Texas TBI Model System of TIRR conducts a program of research, dissemination activities, and clinical care designed to address social relationships and to improve outcomes for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI).  TIRR has a long history of innovative research in brain and spinal cord injury much of it supported by NIDRR funding. TIRR is home to the Texas Model Spinal Cord Injury System as well as the TBI project and several others.  A listing of currently funded projects at TIRR, as well as projects that have completed their research activities can be viewed online at our website.  Additionally, there are over 100 documents listed in the REHABDATA database associated with the NIDRR funded research conducted by TIRR.

Rep. Giffords family and other families receiving services at any number of the NIDDR-funded Model Systems should feel assured their loved-one is receiving the best, high-quality, comprehensive rehabilitation available.  We at NARIC would like wish Rep. Giffords and her family all the best in her recovery.