Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado The go-to resource for services for help and services for survivors of an injury to the brain, their families, and providers Liz Gerdeman Outreach & Education Director BIAColorado.org (303) Gavin Attwood Chief Executive Officer

Brain Injury 101 Acquired Brain Injuries (ABIs) “Non-traumatic” such as stroke, infection, tumor, hypoxia, damage from substance abuse, etc. “Traumatic” (TBIs) - caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head (may or may not penetrate) that disrupts the normal function of the brain. BIAColorado.org (303)

Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado BIAColorado.org (303) Brain injury specific conferences and workshops Online educational materials for survivors and family Statewide brain injury professional networking groups Adaptive recreation programs Emergency utility assistance through Energy Outreach Colorado Online resource directory specific to brain injury providers Statewide support groups Up to date Brain Injury Policy information Member of United States Brain Injury Alliance

BIAColorado.org (303) Information & Referral Resource Navigation Client Intake Form Resource Director & Resource Navigators Structured follow-up BIAColorado.org

BIAColorado.org (303) Hospital Referrals Hospital sends BIAC: Release of Information Facesheet Discharge summary BIAC contacts patient/family: Resource Facilitation Case Management Support Groups Hospital benefits from: Data tracking – measuring outcomes Back referrals to outpatient services Brand recognition

BIAColorado.org (303) Colorado Brain Injury Program Overview & Funding Established in Part of the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Revenue comes from surcharges placed on traffic ticket convictions for speeding, the children’s helmet law, DUI, and DWAI. Research and Education Grants to support TBI research and education efforts in Colorado Services Case management and services to children and adults with traumatic brain injuries Education Services Research

BIAColorado.org (303) Adult Program Case Management o Certified Brain Injury Specialists o Connect individuals to resources o Assist in finding affordable care o Provide support and advocacy o Promotion of independence through self-advocacy Classes and Workshops State-wide classes and workshops cover topics such as: o Budgeting & money management o Navigating employment support o Grief & loss o Organization o Nutrition & mental health o Social skills/networking Community Drop In Hours Travel to various communities to provide drop in hours, 1x per month Purpose to increase community presence Allow for existing clients to work on a goal with a case manager Allow for interested individuals to apply for services Locations include: Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Boulder, Grand Junction, and Lakewood RSVP to Rosa

BIAColorado.org (303) Youth Brain Injury Connections Care Coordination o Identify community and state services/resources o Coordinate access to pediatric specialty care o Navigate options to help pay for health care o Coordinate transition to adult health care Education Linkage o Conduct a needs assessment of the child/family’s educational needs o Provide consultation and support to schools o Follow up and monitor progress as needed o Coordinate with HCP

Connect to Services Adult Program: Application with eligibility requirements: Medically documented TBI Resident of CO Ongoing impairment Youth Program: Online referral form: Any type of brain injury Ages 0-21 BIAColorado.org (303) BIAColorado.org

Brain Injury Medicaid Waiver BIAColorado.org (303) Eligibility Individuals 16 years or older with a brain injury who require long term support services at a level comparable to services typically provided in a nursing facility or hospital Brain injury must have occurred prior to the individual’s 65th birthday Functional and medical criteria are based on an individual’s ability to complete Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) without assistance (examples: eating, bathing, toileting, supervision, and others). Services Including, but not limited to: Mental Health Counseling Specialized Medical Equipment and Supplies/Assistive Devices Day Treatment Independent Living Skills Training

Brain Injury Professional Networks BIAColorado.org (303) The Brain Injury Professional Network (BIPN) groups seek to “improve the availability of services and supports for individuals with brain injury, promote the ongoing sustainability of community support systems and share resources” Each BIPN group is unique to its geographic region and will serve its community/region based upon identified needs. Through a BIPN group you will: Connect with fellow providers who serve those with brain injuries in your community Learn about resources, services & activities available to you & your clients Identify the needs of survivors & address barriers to services Establish a wide variety of action-oriented activities that your BIPN group can engage in Enhance your knowledge & understanding of brain injury by sharing with colleagues Develop a support system for yourself as an individual or organizational provider Access speakers & in-service trainings Broaden your awareness of brain injury issues & legislation Denver meets on the First Friday of Every Month, 11:30am to 1:00pm at BIAC offices

Support Groups BIAColorado.org (303) Over 60 support groups across Colorado, plus more online. Download a full list from: BIAColorado.org Denver Colorado Blvd Vibra Hospital RMHS CNI Spalding Rehab Children’s Hospital HealthSouth Rehab

BIAColorado.org (303)

BIAColorado.org

Recreation Programs BIAColorado.org (303) Educational, social, recreational, & creative opportunities for adults & youth with brain injury Partial scholarship funding awarded based on needs and availability of funds Day Programs: Obstacle Course – April 4th Rock Climbing – May 23rd Paddle Sports – July 23rd Zip Line – October Contact: Linda Heesch Classes: Art Therapy - Tuesdays Music Therapy - Thursdays Multi Day Opportunities: Winter Sports: March Summer Camps: June 14 th -19 th, July 12 th -17 th, & August 2 nd -7 th Canoe Trip: Sept 3 rd -7 th Creative Activities Sept 12 th -15 th

Please see our website for more information: BIAColorado.org Thank you for your time! Questions? Comments? Feedback? BIAColorado.org (303)