AUGUSTA — A Maine council wants public input on the growing public health issues faced by individuals with brain injuries and their families.

The state’s acquired brain injury advisory council has been holding hearings across the state in Rockland, Caribou, Portland and Standish.

The council is accepting comments through Oct. 19.

Members of the council say they want to hear from individuals with brain injuries, their families, rehabilitation experts and the public. They hope to address the workforce shortage of qualified brain injury professionals, to improve employment opportunities and address the needs of kids with such injuries.

The Maine chapter of the Brain Injury Association of America says Maine saw 263 deaths related to traumatic brain injuries in 2008.

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