Brain Injury Association Of Tn Inc

My daughter suffered brain injury from multiple brain surgeries to try and remove a brain tumor. BIATN has provided much needed information , encouragement and active involvement in her continued education and therapy. I can honestly state she would not have advanced to the cognitive therapy treatment she has had without BIATN's support and guidance.

As a professional who works with individuals with brain injuries, I have found the services provided by BIAT to be invaluable to this population. They work not only with individuals with brain injuries but the entire families to provide the support and education that they so desparately need.

Going into my senior year of high school, I was involved in a very serious motor vehicle accident that resulted in me receiving a traumatic brain injury. Not knowing who to turn to or where to start, I tried desperately to pick up the pieces and move on with my life. It wasn't until four years later that I realized just how much my TBI had affected me.
Broke, divorced, jobless & on the verge of being homeless; I focused all my energy on searching for resources that could possibly help me. Through my lengthy, strenuous search; I finally came across an organization that specialized in providing aid for survivors with my condition and current situation. The Brain Injury Association of TN not only supported & provided me with a bundle of different resources, but also opened my eyes and helped me realize the vitality of TBI.
While attending a BIAT Support Group Christmas dinner at Vanderbilt, I was offered a Board Member position. Feeling overwhelmingly blessed and thankful for this wonderful opportunity; I immediately took action.
Recently becoming a certified BIAT Board Member, gives me hope that I can make a difference in the TBI community; by provding aid to other TBI survivors & spreading awarness.

The Brain Injury Association of TN plays a key role in assisting individuals with brain injury and their familes to find educational resources and services to allow the individual with a brain injury to reach their maximum potential. The staff are professional and knowledgeable. The staff return calls in a timely manner and work to change the lives of individuals with brain injury on a shoe string of a budget. With more Veterans returning from the war with a traumatic brain injury from explosive devices, it is more important than ever that this program receive additional funding.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. Recent data shows that, on average, approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury annually.

A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. The majority of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild TBI.

Thanks for your consideration of awarding this money to a very worthy cause and organization.

Cindy Murdock-Elliott, M.A., L.P.E.
Former Board Member, Professional, and
Family Member

My son suffered a Brain Injury from a bout with Encephalitis in 1996. BIAT has been a source of support and much needed information. There are few resources available in TN for Brain Injury survivors. I applaud the efforts of this group because they continue to try to offer the best services with limited funds.

My 19 year old son was in a motor vehicle accident five years ago and suffered a TBI. I felt right away that this was a marker in time and our lives would forever be changed. It was about four years after the accident that I learned of the monthly support group. It has been a wonderful resource. I've made many good friends. It's great to celebrate successes with each other. It's a community of great understanding.

A family member was in a very serious auto accident, and sustained a traumatic brain injury. She was only 21 at the time, and had short-term memory loss. Pam Bryan (BIAT Executive Director) is a long time friend of ours, and she suggested we contact a person at the State of Tennessee who could help obtain vocational training. My cousin is now on the waiting list to begin the training as soon as a slot opens up. No one else had suggested this, and we are very appreciative of the referral.

BIAT is a great place to get resources and information about Brain Injury. They help survivors, family members, and professionals gain a better understanding of the nature of brain injury and how to deal with recovery.

I have worked with BIAT just recently since switching to the Trauma Unit at Vanderbilt. They were available when contacted, and provide resources to our families who are dealing with family members affected by TBI. I am appreciative of the services and support they provide to by TBI patients and families.

The Brain Injury Association of Tennessee has been an invaluable resource for our brain injured patients here at Baptist Rehabilitation! From written materials to providing workshops, they have "answered the call" when needed! Brain injury is so variable from survivor to survivor it is always challenging to provide support to families and the BIAT has been able to help us, help families from around the midsouth area.

This charity is located in Tennessee, a state where there are little to no services for individuals with disabilities. This charity is one of only a few available to provide support and services to individuals with a tramatic barin injury and their families. This agency also provides needed information regarding brain injuries to not only families but also to professionals. This a a valuable organization and does an excellent job of supporting individuals with a TBI.

A wonderul organiziation that spearheads the outpatient care of those with traumatic brain injury for the state of TN. Long after the in-hospital phase of TBI care is completed, there is a long road for recovery, which involves the integration and support of families, schools, and allied health professionals. This organization not only assists in this integration, but also provides awareness for the community and families afflicted.

The BIA of TN offers hope and support to people with brain injury, families and professionals. I have referred people to contact the BIA of TN because they understand brain injury, which is hard to find, and they work to connect people with resources. There is no one else helping people with brain injury like this, and the need is so great.