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BIAC BUZZ

July 2022

Connecticut's partner in brain injury prevention and recovery for 40 years

How We Help

A Mother Seeking Direction


Denise called our Helpline expressing concern about her 12-year-old daughter who had recently sustained a concussive brain injury from a bicycle fall. She explained that her daughter’s symptoms were lingering and were getting in the way of returning to her daily activities. Denise wasn’t sure what to do or what type of medical professional to consult. The Brain Injury Specialist (BIS) took their time with Denise, listened to her concerns, and hopes for her daughter. The BIS was able to connect Denise to a pediatric concussion center in the community for an an appropriate assessment and to develop a treatment plan. The BIS also gave Denise helpful resources and information specific to adolescent concussions, and best-practices for a return to learning with helpful accommodations in her educational environment. She was encouraged to share this material with her daughter’s medical and educational team.

 

Several months later, Denise called the BIS to offer thanks and to let us know that we made an enormous difference for her and her daughter – just having someone on the other end of the phone to listen, understand, and help guide in the right direction made ALL the difference in the world. Her daughter was able to receive treatment that was beginning to help with her post-concussive symptoms. Her daughter was also able to return to school with minor accommodations in her schedule and homework assignments, and she was beginning to reconnect with her peer group.

 

We are always just a phone call away – if you or someone you know needs a knowledgeable and friendly person to speak with and help guide the way toward recovery, reach out to our free Helpline at 860-219-0291. Visit the Helpline page on our website for more information.

Brain Injury Specialist Needed

Looking for an experienced brain injury professional for our part time BIS vacancy!


We are excited to announce that we are hiring for an experienced professional in the field of brain injury. This 20 hour-per-week position is multi-faceted and includes taking calls on our Helpline, and providing information, resources, and linkages for brain injury survivors, family members/caregivers, and professionals.

 

Please help us get the word out and help us fill this very important role at BIAC. Qualifications include a college degree in a related field of study (and at least 1 year of disability experience – ABI experience preferred). This is a hybrid position, with staff currently working in Windsor office minimum of two days per week. View the posting on Indeed and apply.  

Walk for Thought Event!

October 1, 2022

Save the date!

The inspiration and camaraderie of walking and rolling together is like none other! We look forward to reuniting, sharing stories, raising awareness about brain injury, and generating critical funds for BIAC.

BIAC’s 18th Annual Walk For Thought!

Saturday, October 1, 2022

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Northwest Park

Manchester, CT


Learn more about the Walk for Thought.


Questions about the BIAC Walk for Thought, including volunteer opportunities? Contact George Penney at gpenney@biact.org or by calling 860-219-0291, ext. 310.


Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Lori Shield at lshield@biact.org or 860-219-0291 x 303. 

Beat the Heat This Summer

Welcome Summer – Let’s All Stay Safe While Enjoying the Season!


As we move into the glorious, fun-filled days of summer, we all want to be safe and healthy during stretches of hot weather and extreme heat. The CDC defines extreme heat as temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. Who is most at risk? older adults, the very young, and people who have chronic health conditions, such as brain injury. As we welcome the summer season and the warm weather that accompanies it, we would like to remind you to stay safe and informed of the dangers of extreme heat. Please check out these valuable and helpful resources for more information on how to enjoy summer while staying safe: CDC safety recommendations during heat. |  Headway's Tips for Summer Safety

Thank You Project Genesis

We offer a BIG THANK YOU to Project Genesis for once again collaborating with BIAC to host and coordinate this wonderful summer event. Special thanks to Jordin, Vicki, Emily & the entire ABI team for their hard work in pulling this off – and of course to Kathy Rathan, CEO, for allowing this to happen!


The fantastic staff at PG did a great job at “shining through” all the rain of the early morning hours to set up the event on site in time for the sun to come out, and ensuring a delightful, fun-filled afternoon of food, music, and games. Everyone had an enjoyable time catching up with “old” friends and meeting new ones along the way! It was wonderful to see all the survivors, family members, and professionals enjoying this annual event. See you all next year!

Support Groups Update

Support groups provide a safe, non-judgmental way for survivors, caregivers, and professionals to connect with other individuals to share and learn about everything brain injury. 


BIAC currently has 12 Active Support Groups that host monthly meetings via Zoom, or through a hybrid format of In-Person/Zoom. If you are wanting to connect with others, feel a sense of belonging and community, and meet new people, then we encourage you to visit one of our support groups. Never any obligation – you can talk and share your experiences with others or, if you choose, simply listen, and enjoy the conversation. Each group is slightly different, so why not “sample” a few of them and find one that feels like a good match for your needs and truly makes you smile.

 

Visit the Support Groups page on our website for more information.

Bike For Thought - THANK YOU! 

Thank you to all who supported Bike For Thought!


Cyclists pedaled all over our state between June 3-12 for the 13th Annual Bike for Thought. A very special thank you is extended to our top fundraiser and BIAC Board Treasurer, Greg Bubnash, who does this ride each year in honor of his son, Mike, a brain injury survivor. Greg’s commitment to BIAC, and all that he gives back is nothing short of amazing. We are grateful for ALL riders who hit the road for BIAC, and their supporters. Thank you for your kindness and compassion for the brain injury community in Connecticut – you truly make a difference! 

USBIA

USBIA Newsletter Spring 2022


The newest edition of the USBIA Newsletter from the United States Brain Injury Alliance (USBIA) is available for you to read. It includes updates from Brain Injury Alliances around the country, interesting articles, research updates, and helpful brain injury news. 

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200 Day Hill Road, Suite 250, Windsor, CT 06095 | 860-219-0291 | www.biact.org

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