The board was established in 1966. Awards are made to reimburse claimants for out-of-pocket unreimbursed medical expenses and/or earnings and, in the event of death, for out-of-pocket unreimbursed funeral expenses and/or loss of support. Awards are limited to victims and their dependents who suffer serious financial hardship as a result of injury. The number of claims received during 1980-81 rose 18 percent over the previous year. Financial aid has been given to over 2,700 victims and/or dependents, and about 460 continue to receive aid from previous years. Examples of cases before the board are cited, and statistical tables are included. The duties of three units of the board -- the senior citizens unit, the victims services and planning unit, and the victims advocacy unit -- are delineated.