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Philanthropy SA Episode 34 - Cara Magrane with Traumatic Brain Injury System of Support

·33 min·3 clips

Cara Magrane explains how 11,000 to 24,000 children in Bexar County may have undiagnosed concussions impacting their learning.

This episode features Cara Magrane, the Texas School Community and Public Policy Liaison for the Traumatic Brain Injury System of Support for Kids (TBI SOS) Project. Host Dan Revman interviews Magrane about her work addressing pediatric traumatic brain injury, which she calls a "silent epidemic." Magrane explains she came to San Antonio in 1993 through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, a service program that shaped her commitment to social justice. The conversation centers on concussions as a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children and adolescents. Magrane cites a Texas Education Agency publication noting about 6,000 children were hospitalized for concussions or TBI, with 1,300 experiencing long-term disabilities. She highlights a collaboration between the University of Oregon's Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT), Texas A&M San Antonio, and UT Austin. A key initiative is a promotora program offering free, one-on-one support for parents of children under seven who have sustained a TBI within the past year. Magrane details her daily outreach, which includes presenting to school districts like Southwest ISD and partnering with organizations such as Safe Kids and Conmigo Sports. A surprising insight is the CDC's estimate that while 3.2% of children aged 0-17 are diagnosed with a concussion, the actual rate may be 6.8%, indicating significant underreporting. Applying this to Bexar County suggests 11,000 to 24,000 school-aged children may have an undiagnosed concussion affecting their learning. Magrane explains that after one concussion, a child is four times more likely to have a second, and after a second, eight times more likely to have a third. She contrasts visible injuries, like a broken leg, with the invisible challenges of a brain injury that requires specific accommodations. The discussion covers existing Texas policy, Natasha's Law (House Bill 2038), which focuses on returning athletes to play but does not mandate academic accommodations. Magrane's team is working to establish Intermediate Temporary Accommodation Plans (ITAPs) in schools, a checklist for simple supports like allowing sunglasses or nurse visits. She notes the legislative effort still needs a "champion" to advance. The episode mentions March as Brain Injury Awareness Month and encourages listeners to use resources on the tbisos.org website, including a short video for youth. The tone is educational and conversational, blending personal anecdotes with factual data and policy discussion. The host and guest share a friendly rapport, with Magrane speaking passionately and quickly about the cause. This episode is ideal for educators, school administrators, healthcare workers, parents of young athletes, and anyone interested in child welfare or public health policy. Listeners seeking actionable ways to support children with brain injuries will find specific resources and contact information. Those with no connection to education, youth sports, or healthcare advocacy might find the topic too niche.

As heard by us

Plain talk on childhood brain injury, school accommodations, and helping families start the conversation.

Philanthropy Essay keeps its attention on the hidden side of traumatic brain injury, with Kara McGrain of TBI SOS for Kids laying out how the injury can present differently in children and why it is so easy to overlook.

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Why you'd press play

Plainspoken help for kids' head injuries, school adjustments, and where to send families next.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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