March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Events & activities across New York will raise awareness about brain injury issues

Guest Editorial by The Brain Injury Association of New York State

The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) is excited to host and participate in events and activities across New York state during Brain Injury Awareness month in March. BIANYS’ efforts will focus on sharing information about BIANYS’ programs and services, and on brain injuries, which include concussion, stroke and aneurism. BIANYS will also be raising funds through its “Go Blue! for Brain Injury” campaign, which supports the annual conference scholarship program. This year, the annual conference and medical symposium run from June 10-12 in Saratoga Springs.

“From March 1 to March 31, BIANYS will be focused on getting information about brain injuries into the hands of New Yorkers,” said Eileen Reardon, BIANYS executive director. “Concussion and brain injury are in the news daily, and we’re here as the voice of brain injury to cut through the misinformation and rhetoric to deliver unbiased facts to the public.”

BIANYS staff will be at various events in every corner of New York, with information on BIANYS programs and services. Brain Injury Advocacy Day will take place in Albany on March 25 and will include a speaking program and rally, as well as meetings with legislators and key stakeholders. Brain injury survivors, caregivers and professionals will gather and wear blue to show the strength of our community. This event is free and open to the public; visit bianys.org to register.

“We’re excited to return to the Legislative Office Building in Albany on March 25,” said Barry Dain, president of BIANYS’ board of directors. “There are so many ways our elected officials have an impact on our community, and this event is how we put a face to those issues. BIANYS staff will concentrate on urgent issues like keeping the TBI waiver out of Medicaid managed care, expanding the Concussion Management and Awareness Act of 2011 and creating a resource facilitation program. Community members will bring their personal stories and share challenges they face such as finding adequate housing and care.”

The most recent issue of Brain Power, BIANYS’ quarterly newsletter, outlines several activities and ways for people to get involved. For more information, visit bianys.org.

The Brain Injury Association of New York State is a statewide nonprofit membership organization that advocates on behalf of people with brain injuries and their families. BIANYS provides education, advocacy and community support services that lead to improved outcomes. Visit bianys.org for more information.