Offering help, hope, and a voice for people with brain injury and

their families

 Annual Report 2014

 

 

 

   

Pier Tarrant

Co-Chair

Thomas Henson Co-Chair

Susan Baker

Karen McCulloch

Tami Guerrier

Pam Guthrie

Francesca Monachino

Johna Register-Mihalik

Mike Sink

Rick Von Linsowe

Wesley Cole

Kris Stroud

Leslie Johnson

Mysti Stewart

Board of Directors

Board & Staff

Staff

Raleigh 800-377-1464

Winston - Salem

336-713-8582

Charlotte 704-960-0561

Asheville 828-337-0208

Greenville 252-717-3347

Jonna Roy Business Manager

Karen Keating Resource Coordinator

Sandie Worthington Resource Coordinator

Kristina Wilhelmson Neuro Resource Facilitator

Cory Pierson Assistant Communications Coordinator

Kitty Barringer Assistant Resource Coordinator

Susan Fewell Outreach and Training

Cali Hussey Statewide Training Coordinator

Chelsie Rigsbee Outreach Coordinator

Peggy Nelson Assitant Resource Coordinator

Sally Rickard Resource Coordinator

Victoria Rockwell Assistant Communications Coordinator

Sandra Farmer President 

 

 

 

2014

Sandra Farmer Executive Director/CEO, BIANC 

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Founded as a nonprofit in 1983 by the families of people with brain in-jury, the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina (BIANC) has pro-vided information, resources and support to many thousands of people. Over the years our mission has continued to grow, and today we edu-cate caregivers and clinicians, advocate for legislative change and col-laborate with researchers for new treatments in brain injury. As an affil-iate of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), we also partic-ipate in a nationwide network dedicated to the prevention of brain inju-ry and to the care, rehabilitation and support of approximately 1.7 mil-lion Americans who acquire a brain injury each year. Thanks to the efforts of BIANC, our community partners and your support, services for people with brain injury have improved over the years. As outgrowths of our work and your support, this year BIANC served more than 7,000 people through programs such as information and referrals, education and public awareness, annual professional and family conferences, Camp CareFree and local support groups. Addi-tionally, we worked with the Governor’s Brain Injury Advisory Council to advocate for a TBI Medicaid Waiver to be authorized by the NC General Assembly. The Waiver is in the process of being written and hopefully will be fully funded for implementation in 2016 As prevention gains a better foothold in society, we see that demon-strated through our own daily actions; as awareness of the causes of brain injury grows, we see that reflected through more services, better trained personnel and new protocols for treatment that make recovery possible. There remains an enormous amount of work to be done. Funding for rehabilitation services is being greatly diminished and peo-ple with brain injuries are being discharged from hospitals with only a few weeks of treatment. This is placing a greater burden on community resources and supports. As BIANC heads into its 31st year, we are grateful for those who have supported us all these years—from government agencies to our loyal donors and advocates. It is with your support that we are able to pro-vide help, hope and healing, be a voice for those with brain injury, change policy and save lives. Thank you. Sandra Farmer Executive Director Brain Injury Association of NC

Thomas Henson Co‐Chair, BIANC Board of Directors 

Pier Tarrant Co‐Chair, BIANC Board of Directors 

 

 

Event Sponsors

Asheville Tourist

Brain Injury Alliance of High Point

Carolinas Hyperbarics

Cone Health Inpatient Rehab

Cox Toyota

E CT Supplues

Big Bubbas BBQ

Greensboro Sports Commission

Healing Arts Massage School

Harris Teeter

Lippard Lodge

NC Neuropsychiatry

Pilot International

Pilot Clubs of North Carolina

Provident Living Inc

Sam’s Club

Senior Matters

Wake Med

Wal Mart of Henderson #1242

York Properties

   

Special Thanks The Brain Injury Association of North Carolina graciously thanks the

following individuals and organizations for their support.

Our Major Funders

NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse

Services Federal Health Resources and Services Administration

Corporate Sponsors

Charles G. Monnett, III and Associates www. carolinalaw.com

Carolinas Rehabilitation www.carolinasrehabilitation.org

HensonFuerst, PA www.lawmed.com

Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo LLP www.demayolaw.com

Learning Services www.learningservices.com

CarePartners www.carepartners.org

Wake Forest Baptist Health www.wakehealth.com

Hinds’ Feet Farm www.hindsfeetfarm.org

Seven Lakes Eye Care www.sevenlakeseyecare.com

Neuro Community Care www.neurocc.com 

Carolinas HealthCare System www.carolinashealthcare.org

 

 

 

 

American Materials, Co. Melvin Amos

Phil and Sandra Bailey Leigh and Patsy Balance

Lesa Ballman Bank of Carolinas

Jeffrey Batts Thomas and Mary Betts

Bill Black Chevrolet Cadillac Ben Mayo Boddie

Betsy Boddie Cindy Boyd

Tim and Laura Brown Irene Buehrle

Joe Bunn Erin Calo

Dan Chernesky Chif-fil-a

Patsy Clark Clifford Clendenin

Phyllis Cowell Gerals Cox

Dr. W.R Deans Maria Deariso

Margaret DeVine Brenda DeWaly

Robin Embry John Ferebee

Bill and Charlene Fisher Richard Fisher

Forest Hill United Methodist David Forsythe Fox-8 WGHP Lynne Garren

Jim and Liz Gehringer Liz Gibson

Ricky Gibson Rita Gillis

Lisa Gonzalez Dr. Ted Greve

Neal Hall Jerry Henderson

Carl and Alisha Hunnicut JB Wilkerson Foundation

Cindy Jones Jacquelyn Jones

Mike Keffer Julie Kirkland

Widgie Kornegay Heather Krietemeyer

Pepsi Bottling Ventures Lash & Associates Publishing

Latham Group Norman Latham

Debbie Leonhardt Abby Levenson

Melissa and Jon Lewis Betty Lillyquist

Jim Lippard Allison Lippard-Morris

Logan Stroud Foundation George and Becky Lowery Bob and Glady Marshall

Carla Marshburn Douglas Maynard

Stephanie McAdams John and Lynda McConnell

Karen McCulloch

Kristin McGowan Rhonda McNeil John Moloney

Francesca Monachino NC Orthotics & Prosthetics

Neuro Community Care Stephanie Nissen

Bob and Carol Ornitz David Oettinger

Oettinger and Company Vickie Pennington

Becky Phillips Will and Sherry Rogers

Sandra Schultz Elsie Scruggs Kris Shelton

Ronald Slayer Mysti Stewart Kris Stroud

Tommy and Kathy Thompson Gary and Jane Ulicny

Walmart Susan Walston

Garry and Virginia Ward WCNC-TV

Vida Calma Wellness Richard Weiss Tania Wells

Diane Westbrook Barry Westmoreland David Wiercisiewski

James and Mildred Wilkinson Charitable Trust

Winston-Salem Foundation

Special Thanks The Brain Injury Association of North Carolina graciously thanks the

following individuals and organizations for their support.

Donors

 

 

 

Achievements Education and Training

�  90 individuals attended BIANC’s Family

Conference in High Point

�  130 individuals attended our Annual

Professional Symposium in Charlotte

�  37 professionals attended one of three

Certified Brain Injury Specialist trainings

�  A monthly eBlast news update was

distributed to an average of over 1,500 individuals.

�  88 Brain Injury Training sessions were

attended by over 5,500 individuals, including professionals, family members, survivors and caregivers.

�  Starting Point, BIANC’s quarterly newslet-

ters were distributed to 2,500 members, support group members, and rehab profes-sionals

BIANC provided 3 CBIS training classes to train 37 new Certified Brain Injury Specialists. Thanks to our hosts for the training at Carolinas Rehabilitation, Vidant Health and Learning Ser-vices Corporation.

“I've been working with BIANC since I returned from the hospital in 2007 with my son who has a Traumatic Brain Injury from a vehicle accident. I had nowhere to go, no one to talk to. I contacted BIANC and they helped me establish not only the stepping stone to a great recovery for my son and family, but also opened a world of assistance and inspiration to help me find the call to assist other families in need. BIANC has been fabulous.” - Robin Totsch, Active Duty Marine and Mom

   

 

 

 

Outreach and Support �  BIANC staff toured DVBIC at Fort Bragg

Army Base and a new TBI/Neuro group was started at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

�  Four support groups received grants for

local events from the Brain Injury Associ-ation of North Carolina

�  92 survivor assistance inquiries were

answered by BIANC

�  517 brain injury survivors and/or family

members were referred to local support groups

�  240 brain injury survivors, family

members, and volunteers attended Camp Carefree

�  Local support groups held outings

attended by over 400 individuals

�  BIANC staff responded to 3,427 resource

emails.

�  BIANC Staff attended Brain Injury

Awareness Day on The Hill in Washing-ton DC in March of 2014

Achievements   

“Being a member of my local support group was one of the most influential aspects of my life living with a TBI. This group helped improve my social, planning, and coordinating skills tremendous-ly in a supportive group setting! Its great knowing when I come to a meeting I can be myself and let my guard down. I love that judgment doesn't exist within the walls of the meeting. Everyone respects each others announced accomplishments, no matter how big or small they are. The group perspective is always looking at the cup half full!” -Jashun Gaddy , a member of the CABIA support group in Charlotte, NC

“Camp is about the atmosphere, the food, the company of other survivors, the great volunteers, and horseback riding!!! I can always count on a hot cup of coffee every morning at camp!! In fact...I have to say...What is there not to like about camp!” -Ricky Baker, Veteran Camper

Left to Right: Joey, Susan, Ricky and Hank Baker

 

 

 

Achievements Public Awareness and Prevention

�  BIANC distributed updated Skill Packs to

Rehab hospitals and added it to website.

�  BIANC made six media connections to

raise awareness

�  Partnerships continue between BIANC and

30 Pilot Clubs across North Carolina to help with their “protecting your brain for life” mission

�  A grant from The Winston Salem

Foundation funded BIANC’s fifth brain injury resource center at Wake Forest Baptist Health

�  Six fundraising and awareness events had

over 2,000 participants

�  BIANC exhibited at 12 conferences across

North Carolina reaching over 1,500 attendees

�  www.bianc.net received 33,828 visitors and

889,185 website hits

�  BIANC’s Facebook business page has

3,716 likes in 2014 and our Twitter page currently has 2,275 followers.

�  14 training on concussion recognition and

response app for iPhone and Andriod were

provided for more than 2,000 students and coaches

   

Professionally, I have found BIANC to be an excellent resource of infor-

mation about brain injury. Staff members have provided me bro-chures to share with patients and

family members, have shared infor-mation for presentations and have

facilitated CBIS training for some of our staff.

Thanks for all you do! Elizabeth T. Mumford, MA

Licensed Psychological Associate Wake Forest Baptist Health

The Brain Injury Association of NC provides professional support and

social opportunities for the survivors in our program. Also, the local Brain Injury Resource Center can provide information relevant to

any aspect of life to assist the survivor and their families. Thanks to BIANC.

Deborah Tuggle Program Director

Lippard Lodge

 

 

Advocacy

�  BIANC staff helped facilitate quarterly

meetings of the NC Brain Injury Advisory Council

�  MemberClicks, membership management

software, continued to offer online registrations for memberships and events

�  The Brain Injury Association of North

Carolina currently has five Brain Injury Resource Centers in Raleigh, Asheville, Greenville, Winston Salem and Charlotte

�  Over 100 individuals participated in an

education day at the NC Legislature and BIANC participated in the National Brain Injury Advocacy event in March

�  The Brain Injury Association promoted the

development of day programs for brain injury survivors

�  BIANC referred survivors/families to 14

Ombudsmen with personal brain injury experience for peer mentoring

�  Over 40 individuals participated in our

ALSTARS program (Alliance of Legisla-tors and Survivors Together Achieving Responsible Services)

�  17 residential/rehab providers gathered to

learn about NC programs and share resources

Achievements   

“As Chair of the Governor's BI Advisory Council, I appreciate BIANC's help with legislative advocacy and

education. My son had a cycling accident which resulted in a severe brain injury. We have been grateful to his team-

mates at The Capital Cycling Club for partnering with the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina to conduct the Ride for the Rock to promote brain injury awareness,

safety among cyclists, and to raise funds. There is so much more to be done to make North Carolina a good place for

those touched by brain injury.” -Carol Ornitz

 

 

Goals for 2015 and Beyond �  Strive to see that brain injury is addressed in our health care system as a major public health

concern with significant financial and social impact �  Provide training and support for Military service members and their families �  Support activities, programs, and services that will enhance access to appropriate, timely, and

affordable treatment to improve systems of care �  Partner with Pilot Clubs of North Carolina and other advocacy groups to increase brain injury

awareness and prevention activities and sponsor Camp Carefree weekend retreat �  Provide specialized training that will better equip North Carolina schools to appropriately

serve children with a brain injury in the classroom �  Increase our outreach to youth sport groups to address the need for information about concus-

sion prevention and post-concussion care �  Provide tools for support group leaders to help with programs targeting specific behaviors and

issues for survivors and family members �  Address the need for additional health and wellness retreats for people with brain injuries �  Expand legislative initiatives to educate elected officials about the need for additional re-

sources and services

   

My work with the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina has enabled me to spread public awareness about the frequency and dangers of brain injuries to people all across North Carolina and the surrounding states. I was able to address some of the main issues of brain injuries and talk about my per-sonal experience on the national stage in Virginia Beach, on live television for WBTV Charlotte, and in numerous local newspapers and magazines.—Monica Mayer, Miss North Carolina Teen American 2014 

 

 

 

Revenues and Expenses   

 

 

The Brain Injury Association of North Carolina PO Box 10912 Raleigh, NC 27605

Asheville - April 11, 2015 Concord - April 19, 2015 Triangle - April 25, 2015 Triad - May 2, 2015

A series of walks to benefit the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina

For more information and to learn how to register: www.bianc.net or 800-377-1464

Brain Injury is the last thing on your mind…

until it’s the only thing on your mind.