What is the Washington Traumatic Brain Injury

Resource Center?

Jessica GiordanoOperations Manager

Washington TBI Resource Center May 4, 2012

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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

2011 1st Pediatric Resource Manager

2011 Resource Center Contract

2012 Pediatric Services Statewide

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Current TeamBrittney 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

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BIAWA Vision StatementOur 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 StatementOur mission is to increase public awareness, support, and hope for those affected by brain injury through education, assistance, and advocacy.

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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.

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Expanding Outreach Activities

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

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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

9www.facebook.com/braininjurywa

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.

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Assistance

• The Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Center

• Support Groups

• Support Activities

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The Tommy Manning Act 2007$2 Traffic Tickets

Approx. $1.6M

Annually

Governor Appointed TBI Council

DSHS Fiduciary Agency

TBI Resource Center

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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

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Washington TBI Resource Line

• Statewide Toll Free Line 877-824-1766• 9am-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.

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Why Call?

Knowing Where to Turn

Finding Resources• Neuropsychologists, Attorneys,

Placement Facilities, Benefits

Support Activities

Referrals to RM• Adults and Pediatrics

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Resource Database• Online database • More than 1,100 Resources • Attorneys, Neuropsychologists, Physiatrists, Home

Health Care, and more.

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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

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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

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What Can RM Do for You?

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“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

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Clinical Case Management

Conducts assessments and implements care plans for individuals referred to Resource Management whose needs require complex care coordination.

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“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

80+ 65-79 50-64 35-49 20-34 5-19 0-4

Fe-male39%

Male61%

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Contact Closer to Injury

0-1 Year 1-5 Years 5-10 Years 10-20 Years 20+ Years0

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20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Reported Time Since Brain Injury for Clients of the Resource Center

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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.

www.braininjurywa.org/supportgroups24

Support ActivitiesSki for All

Strolling through the Tulips

Academic Scholarships

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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.

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

http://nflhealthandsafety.com/zackery-lystedt-law/states/27

What It’s All AboutRita 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.”

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Contacts

Washington TBI Resource Center877-824-1766

Brain Injury Association of Washington877-982-4292www.braininjurywa.orgwww.facebook.com/braininjurywa

Jessica Giordano206-897-5755jessicag@braininjurywa.org 29

Thank You!

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