Brain injury Association of NH: Press Release

An estimated 5.3 million Americans currently live with disabilities resulting from a brain injury. It is further estimated that 1.5 million brain injuries occur annually. This is greater than breast cancer, stroke and aids combined. Brain injury is a major public health issue. As awareness increases so do the number of individuals seeking services. There is a significant percentage that will go without services for they are unaware of the supports in their communities.

	Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire 109 N. State St., Concord, NH 03301 603-225-8400 ~ 1-800-773-8400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 02/19/04

ARE YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER LIVING WITH A BRAIN INJURY OR STROKE? DO YOU FIND YOURSELF ASKING THESE QUESTIONS?

How do I explore financial resources such as, Social Security, disability insurance or Medicaid? Will I be eligible for state services? Where can I get long-term care? Where and how do I set up Speech, Physical or Occupational therapy? Are there people available to provide ongoing support? What therapy and educational services will the schools provide? Do we need home care services? If so, who will provide them? What can I do to assist my family member or friend with personal care and rehabilitation? How and when can I go back to work?

An estimated 5.3 million Americans currently live with disabilities resulting from a brain injury. It is further estimated that 1.5 million brain injuries occur annually. This is greater than breast cancer, stroke and aids combined. Brain injury is a major public health issue. As awareness increases so do the number of individuals seeking services. There is a significant percentage that will go without services for they are unaware of the supports in their communities.

The Brain Injury Association of NH is offering a Resource Facilitation Program to individuals living with a brain injury or stroke and their family members. This program is offered in partnership with the NH Division of Developmental Services. The program came about due to your efforts and support of SB 182.

Individuals living with a brain injury or stroke and their personal support systems will work in partnership with a Resource Facilitator. The Resource Facilitator will provide assistance in navigating the service system as well as assisting individuals to locate and access services in their communities. The program does not provide the services, but the support and resources in acquiring needed services.

The Resource Facilitator will present the best available service options to enable: Informed decision making Consumer choice Maximized independence Continuous quality of live
Resource Facilitators will also provide education to the community and personal support systems to better understand how barriers may impact the lives of individuals living with a brain injury or stroke.

If you would like more information regarding the Resource Facilitation Program, please contact the Brain Injury Association of NH by calling 1-800-773-8400, visiting our web site at www.bianh.org or e-mailing us at mail@bianh.org

No brain injury is to mild to ignore or to severe to give up hope!

Copyright © 2004 - 1998 Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire Last modified: April 15, 2004 The Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire does not support, endorse, or recommend any product, method of treatment, or program for persons with brain injury. We endeavor to inform and believe that you have the right to know what help is available. Information within these pages consists of items that may be of interest to our community.