What is the Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Center? Jessica Giordano Operations Manager Washington TBI Resource Center May 4,

This Presentation * BIAWA * Education * Assistance *TBI Resource Line *Adult Resource Management *Pediatric Resource Management *Clinical Case Management *Support Groups *Support Activities * Advocacy * Tying it All Together 2

The Brain Injury Association of Washington (BIAWA) 1982 families and caregivers of individuals with brain injuries saw a need for support Mostly volunteer based Support Groups and a Resource Line 2007 Resource Line Contract st Pediatric Resource Manager 2011 Resource Center Contract 2012 Pediatric Services Statewide 3

Current Team Brittney Neidhardt-Gruhl – Puget Sound Resource Manager Carla-Jo Whitson – Southwest Resource Manager –CDM Services Deborah Crawley – Executive Director Denise Hansen – Information and Referral Specialist Janet Jones – Central Resource Manager Janet Mott – Clinical Case Manager Jennifer Peloquin – Information and Referral Specialist Jessica Giordano – Resource Line Operations Manager Julie Dawning – Pediatric Resource Manager Mary Hughes – Northwest Resource Manager Nancy Huseman - Western Resource Manager – Cascade Park Pauline deHoog– Administrative Assistant Phil Mikkelson – Database and Web Manager Wendy Lomax – Eastern Resource Manager 4

BIAWA Vision Statement Our vision is a world where brain injury is prevented, and every person already affected by its impact benefits from resources that maximize his/her quality of life. BIAWA Mission Statement Our mission is to increase public awareness, support, and hope for those affected by brain injury through education, assistance, and advocacy. 5

Education Increase public awareness of and knowledge about brain injury through: Participation in Conferences and other Community Events; Trainings to the public; Website, Facebook, Billboards. 6

Expanding Outreach Activities Already more than 98 days of conference and event participation in the 2011/2012 Fiscal year. 7

Training Cover the basics of brain injury and are then modified to meet the needs of the audience such as: -Medical Providers at Overlake Hospital -Catholic Community Services -Domestic Violence Advocates Providing others with the tools needed to ensure the best services possible to those affected by brain injury. 8

Facebook BIAWA shares information about: Upcoming events such as our Annual Holiday Party Opportunities such as our Academic Scholarship New and Exciting Research Others in the community to spread the word about their events Heather Rooney’s Rainbow Courage 9

Facebook “The brain injury community is my hope amidst my heartache. It keeps me connected with others who live and understand my struggles. It educates the public, including my family and friends, on what brain injuries actually are, how to prevent them, and the trials that people with a TBI suffer through. I am a 15 year survivor and could not have made it this far on my own.” - Jane BIAWA asked our Facebook friends and fans, “What does brain injury community mean to you?” The responses were both powerful and inspiring. 10

Assistance The Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Center Support Groups Support Activities 11

The Tommy Manning Act 2007 $2 Traffic Tickets Approx. $1.6M Annually Governor Appointed TBI Council DSHS Fiduciary Agency TBI Resource Center 12 Support Groups TBI Conference

The Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Center Grant 2011 Continuation of: Washington TBI Resource Line Clinical Case Management Addition of: In-Person Resource Management (RM) Pediatric Services 13

Washington TBI Resource Line Statewide Toll Free Line am-5pm M-F –115 Calls Per Week –6,000 Calls Per Year Offering Support, Information & Referrals to: Individuals throughout the state of Washington whose lives are affected by brain injury or who are interested in learning more about brain injury. 14

Why Call? Knowing Where to Turn Finding Resources Neuropsychologists, Attorneys, Placement Facilities, Benefits Support Activities Referrals to RM Adults and Pediatrics 15

Resource Database Online database More than 1,100 Resources Attorneys, Neuropsychologists, Physiatrists, Home Health Care, and more. 16

Adult Resource Management In-person support for survivors, families, and caregivers to assess their current resources and needs and to provide support in accessing additional resources. Resource Management is: Goal Driven Client Centered 17

Supports school-aged pediatric brain injury patients, their families, and caregivers with reintegration into their homes, schools, and communities during and subsequent to the discharge process. Pediatric Resource Management 18

What Can RM Do for You? 19 “To keep her house from going into foreclosure” “Getting all of her medical needs met through one provider” “Successful transition home from the hospital with rehabilitation in place” “Find an educational placement that will support emotional and behavioral needs”

Resource Management The BIAWA has boots on the ground in counties that cover more than 90% of the TBI incidence 20

Clinical Case Management Conducts assessments and implements care plans for individuals referred to Resource Management whose needs require complex care coordination. 21 “Clarify his status in relationship to potential guardianship needs and legal ramifications of recent divorce”

Who We Help -25% of the people we help are caregivers and 80% of them are unpaid 22

Contact Closer to Injury 23

Support Groups Help find facilitators Provide staff to fill in when needed Help start new groups such as the Pediatric Brain Injury Support Group Boost public awareness about current groups and their activities via: Website, Facebook, Referrals through the Washington TBI Resource Center. 24

Support Activities Ski for All Strolling through the Tulips Academic Scholarships 25

Advocacy Leaders in Legislation The Zackery Lystedt Law, 2009 Contains 3 essential elements: Athletes, parents and coaches must be educated about the dangers of concussions each year. If a young athlete is suspected of having a concussion, he/she must be removed from a game or practice and not be permitted to return to play. When in doubt, sit them out. A licensed health care professional must clear the young athlete to return to play in the subsequent days or weeks. 26

“As of October 2011, 31 states (plus the District of Columbia and the city of Chicago) have adopted youth concussion laws.” 27

What It’s All About Rita received Resource Management through the BIAWA and had this to say about one of our Resource Managers, “She's been my Resource Angel. I was feeling lost and overwhelmed when I moved to the Great Northwest w/ my significant other of 8yrs from California where my TBI situation first started, but with her warm friendly heart she welcomed me to the support group n encouraged me to seek help. Thank You & God Bless You!” Elizabeth had this to say about one of our resource Line Specialists, “I just wanted to thank you for your time yesterday. I was feeling so frustrated, alone, depressed and not sure what to do to help myself. You gave me great advice and referrals I desperately needed… I am so glad this organization exists and I am very grateful. Thank you again for all your time and help. I appreciate it more than you can know.” 28

Contacts Washington TBI Resource Center Brain Injury Association of Washington Jessica Giordano

Thank You! 30