Arlene Korab, Executive Director

Support Prevention Education Advocacy

Support

Prevention

Education

Advocacy

The Purpose of BIA-MA The BIA-MA provides support services to survivors and their families, offers programs to prevent brain injuries, educates the public on the risks and impact of brain injury and advocates for legislation and improved community services

BIA-MA HistoryThe association was incorporated in 1982 as a

501(c)3, non-profit organization

in the Commonwealth of Massachusettsand is a chartered affiliate of

the Brain Injury Association of America.

Offices

In addition to the main office in Westborough, BIA-MA has two regional offices, one in East Wareham that serves southeastern Massachusetts, and one in Pittsfield that serves Western Massachusetts.

Population ServedBIA-MA serves individuals with brain injury, family members, caregivers, friends, professionals and members of the general public.

StatisticsBrain Injury is recognized as a major public health crisis in the United States

According to the CDC:•The incidence of traumatic brain injuries occurring each year is eight time that of breast cancer and 20 times that of HIV/AIDS

•5.3 Million Americans are living with a disability caused by brain injury

•Lifetime costs associated with traumatic brain injury are conservatively estimated at $60 billion

What Does BIA-MA DoBIA-MA Provides:• Support to brain injury survivors and their families, including

information, guidance and resources

• Sponsors more than 30 support groups

• Conducts conferences and workshops

• Offers Programs to Prevent brain injury

• Last year BIA-MA provided information to over 4,000 individuals

CollaborationBIA-MA collaborates with state agencies

including but not limited to:

• Executive Office of Health and Human Services• Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission• Massachusetts Department of Public Health• Registry of Motor Vehicles• Veterans Administration• Massachusetts Department of Public Safety

Advocacy• In 1986 BIA-MA advocated for the development of the State Wide

Head Injury Program (SHIP), a state program that funds community based services for people with traumatic brain injury.

• The HEAD INJURY TRUST FUND

• In 2006 BIA-MA initiated the Hutchinson V. Patrick class action suit to move individuals with brain injury out of nursing facilities and into the community.

• “It is anticipated that over the next three years three hundred individuals with brain injury will be transitioning into the community”

• Other successful legislative efforts include laws regarding helmets, seatbelts, shaken baby syndrome and sports concussion

Needed Services• Expansion of Transportation “The Ride”

BostonAllston, Back Bay, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown Boston

NorthBeverly, Boston, Chelsea, Danvers, Everett, Lynn, Lynnfield

NorthwestArlington, Bedford, Belmont, Boston, Brookline,Burlington, Cambridge

SouthwestBoston, Canton, Dedham, Dover, Framingham, Medfield, Natick

SouthBoston, Braintree, Cohasset, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Milton

Additional Needed Services

• Day programs for young adults • Services for survivors with severe behavioral issues• Independent Case Management services should be

provided by insurers• Length of time for response for funding/services

needs to be shortened• Need for brain injury professionals such as

neuropsychologists• Education for Primary Care Physicians• Longer coverage for inpatient and outpatient care• Family counseling • Housing

Additional Needed Services

• Cognitive rehabilitation therapy• Vocational training• Job coaching

After almost 30 years of developing programs and services for survivors there is still much work to be done.

State delivery systems tend to be based on diagnosis (developmentaldisabilities, mental illness, special health care needs) or on financialneed, such as Medicaid . These services are not always appropriate forpeople with brain injuries. Each person who sustains a brain injury has different needs.

In summary, people with brain injuries need what everyone else needs; a place to live, food on the table, a job, and friends. With timely and appropriate treatment, many people can regain the ability to live independently, find meaningful work, and develop new friendships.

Office Locations30 Lyman St., Suite 10

Westborough, MA. 01581(508) 475-0032

3119 Cranberry Hwy., Suite 5FE. Wareham, MA. 02538

(508) 743-0333180 Elm Street, Suite C

Pittsfield, MA. 01201(413) 443-0200