Alaska Brain Injury Network Inc

Programs: Resource navigation: our resource navigators provide information and referral and more. - respond to requests for assistance, information, resources, and referral. - maintains a brain injury resource directory with statewide and local resources and supports available to individuals, families, friends, professionals, caregivers and the general public. - provides technical assistance to communities interested in developing brain injury support groups. - distribute educational and informational resources to the public. Most of all, our resource navigators listen. They will listen to your unique story and help identify services and supports. They will help you make the necessary phone calls if needed. They will also help brainstorm compensatory strategies or strategies you can use at home if services are not available in your area. During fy15, the resource navigation program received more than 1,000 unique contacts from individuals with brain injury, a loved one with a brain injury, or a provider in alaska.

tbi advisory board/board of directors public testimony: the tbi advisory board members are connected to alaska communities to learn from the local residents: - what services are available in your community and region? - what services are needed in your community and region? - do you serve people with traumatic brain injury? - do you screen for traumatic brain injury? - what services are needed to better serve people with traumatic brain injury in your agency, community, and/or region? - do you have a head injury support group in your community? - are there prevention efforts such as helmet ordinances, bicycle rodeos, helmet programs, etc. ? Public testimony is an opportunity for individuals to share their personal story. It is also an opportunity for family members or providers to share what resources were helpful or resources that are needed? If the community is interested in training, abin board members volunteer their time to present the latest information on brain injury screening, assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term supports. Systems planning: the alaska brain injury network board members and staff participate in many department of health and social services and alaska mental health trust authority planning committees. The tbi advisory board members and staff are advocating on behalf of all alaskans with traumatic brain injury. Working to improve existing services and create new services that meet the unique needs of people with traumatic brain injury. Committee topics include: workforce development, disability justice, housing, long-term care, comprehensive integrated mental health plan, prevention, and medicaid systems reform. Legislative advocacy: legislative advocacy activities including presentations to legislative committees, meeting with individual senators and representatives when possible, and testifying on bills related to brain injury funding and services. The advisory board has been successful in advocating for over $4 million in funding specifically for alaskans with traumatic/acquired brain injury.

education and outreach: we are committed to increasing the publics awareness about traumatic brain injury. Both board and staff members deliver presentations to people of all ages and all kinds of audiences about service delivery, about traumatic brain injury, about safety/health awareness, and generally any topic we are asked to speak about. Abin has completed a public service announcement which is currently in tv rotation and will also be on youtube and our webstie and is planning a documentary about tabi in alaska. Additionally, abin provided educational/topical interviews about abin and tabi on the local news and a local station. Education: the alaska brain injury network wants to help you get the education and training you are looking for. - contact us to learn about ongoing training opportunities. - if you are looking to organize a training, we can help you find the right professional or person to deliver the information requested. - abins knowledgeable staff is available to come speak to your staff about traumatic brain injury, signs and symptoms, resources, and more. - abin also has a network of tbi survivors and family members that offer the best information on traumatic brain injury. We encourage trainings to include tbi survivors and/or family members.