1 The Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon (BIAOR) Sherry Stock, MS CBIST November 6, 2013 Governor’s Task Force on TBI Meeting Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon 1

2 The BIAOR Story The Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon, Inc. is the only statewide 501(c)(3), not-for-profit association dedicated to creating a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education and advocacy and supporting our mission. Founded in 1984, many of its founders have had their own lives altered by brain injuries sustained by themselves, a family member, or friend. The Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon today is a leader in brain injury support, education, prevention and advocacy. BIAOR’s leadership represents a cross section of stakeholders in the field of brain injury, including survivors, family members, medical and clinical practitioners, attorneys, researchers and service providers. Since its inception, BIAOR has worked tirelessly to raise public awareness, prevent brain injury by education, improve treatments through professional education and research, and advocate for progressive change in the law. 2 2

3 BIAOR Mission and Vision Mission: Creating a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education, and advocacy. Vision: A world where all preventable brain injuries are prevented, all unpreventable brain injuries are minimized and all individuals who have experienced brain injury maximize their quality of life. 3

4 Guiding Principles Adopted at the Brain Injury Association of Oregon's Board of Directors Meeting on January 18, Value and respect the dignity and worth of all people in a true spirit of inclusion. 2. Support individual choices. 3. People with brain injury should have opportunities to be full participating members of their community. 4. Recognize and support the needs of individual's families and their circle(s) of support. 5. Provide rapid, relevant and accessible information. 6. Promote excellence, quality and best practices in all fields. 7. Support prevention opportunities through research, education and public awareness. 8. Address complex and controversial thorny issues. 9. Promote progressive public policy. 10. Respond to issues with integrity and courage. 4

5 BIAOR Services – Help Line Neuro Resource Facilitation Information and Referral Help Line providing useful information about injury services, referrals for medical and legal professionals to assist survivors, as well as much needed support and encouragement for those going through the head injury experience. over 5000 calls a year more than 10,000 s more than 500 packets mailed to individuals including over 2,500 DVDs more than 1,200,000 unique visitors to the website Survivor and Caregiver peer support and mentoring 5

6 BIAOR Services-Support Groups Facilitating over 65 different support groups support groups for survivors, spouses and children throughout the state. Each has it’s own focus. Some are peer support, some are lead by professionals, some are focused on guest speakers, some include social activities, some include water aerobics, some are for stroke survivors, some for teen or children, some for caregivers 6

7 BIAOR Services-Education Providing training and education in over 300 outreach programs to survivors, schools, military, community groups, courts, employers, veterans groups, medical facilities, professionals, family members and prisons to help prevent head injury. Annual Pacific Northwest Regional Conference with between attendees – 3 day event each March – numerous CEUs offered. Survivors and family members are invited to be our guest from 1-5 pm each day. Regional educational programs and International Certification courses – Certified Brain Injury Specialists Matter of Balance Training at statewide Senior Centers and assisted living homes 7

8 BIAOR Services – Written Materials The Headliner – a page newsletter geared to survivors, caregivers, family members and the professionals who serve them. Sent by hard copy, download and to about 16,000 each quarter. Thousands of articles written about issues relating to brain injury such as problems with anger, sleep issues, stroke, PTSD 8

9 BIAOR Services-Legislative Advocacy 2013 SB 721 – Jenna’s Law requiring all nonprofit sports to provide annual concussion training for coaches and referees, removing anyone with a suspected concussion, returning to play with a medical professionals release and requiring all parents and players to sign that they understand the signs and symptoms of concussion SB348 requiring annual sports concussion training for coaches to help prevent sports concussions in Oregon children SB 381 which requires all health insurance companies in Oregon to cover medically necessary cognitive rehabilitation treatment 2007 SJR 21 March as Brain Injury Awareness Month in the state of Oregon 9

10 BIAOR Community Partners TBI Teams FACT – Families and Communities Together Veterans: Reintegration Team, Returning Veterans Project, Center for Polytrauma Care OR VA, Madigan TBI Unit Washington, Idaho, Colorado, California, Nevada, Montana, Hawaii, Alaska Brain Injury Associations as well as those of all states Think First Oregon 10

11 BIAOR Community Partners All Centers for Independent Living Disability Rights Oregon The Center – Bend Bridges to Independence Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation 11

12 BIAOR State Advocacy Oregon Disability Commission (ODC) DHS/OHA Stakeholder Committee State Independent Living Council (SILC) Oregon State Rehabilitation Council Oregon Health Authority Ombudsman Advisory Council National Traumatic Brain Injury Research Programs United States Brain Injury Alliance Idaho TBI Advisory Council Oregon Reintegration Team WINGS - (Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardian Stakeholders) 12

13 BIAOR Contact Information Phone: Website: Mailing address: PO Box 549, Molalla OR Offices by appointment only: Salem: Salem Rehab, 2561 Center St, NE Portland: 1220 SW Morrison #433 Eugene: 1501 Pearl St 13