How the National Brain Injury Information Center Helps Professionals with Advocacy and Awareness

Greg Ayotte, CBIST

Brain injury professionals have a limited amount of time with their patients. That time is spent providing hands-on care to address a specific issue, such as going through language exercises with a patient who has speech difficulties. As a result, these professionals have less time to answer questions from the patient or their family, and issues often arise after a person has left inpatient care or rehabilitation.

Fortunately, the National Brain Injury Information Center (NBIIC), operated by the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), is a valuable resource professionals can use to help extend the support a family receives after brain injury.

The National Brain Injury Information Center: A Vital Resource for Brain Injury Professionals

NBIIC was established to help individuals and families who are experiencing the life-changing effects of brain injury. Living with a brain injury can require a range of resources, strategies, and supports, with needs that may extend long after rehab has ended.

No two brain injuries are alike, and needs vary from person to person. Some individuals struggle with adapting to new family dynamics and changes in relationships, while others are looking for relief from or treatment for debilitating physical symptoms like migraines or sensitivity to light and noise. NBIIC offers a variety of resources, including:

• A toll-free helpline: The NBIIC helpline (1-800-444-6443) is staffed by brain injury specialists who can answer questions about brain injury, provide information about local resources, and offer real-time support to individuals and families affected by brain injury.
• People can also email NBIIC at braininjuryinfo@biausa.org to communicate with a brain injury specialist.
• The NBIIC section of the BIAA website provides a wealth of information about brain injury, including fact sheets and articles about various aspects of brain injuries, personal stories shared by other brain injury survivors and caregivers, free downloadable guides, and more.

How Professionals Can Use NBIIC

• Refer patients and clients to NBIIC: Professionals can refer their patients and clients to the NBIIC for information, support, and resources. This can be a valuable resource to share with patients and families.
• Using NBIIC materials in their practice: Professionals can use NBIIC fact sheets, articles, and other materials to educate their patients and clients about brain injury.
• Promoting the NBIIC in their community: Professionals can help to raise awareness about the NBIIC by promoting it in their community.

I encourage brain injury professionals to share these resources with their clients and patients. By utilizing NBIIC’s resources and sharing the toll-free number, professionals can help to ensure that their patients and clients have the information and support they need to lead fulfilling lives long after they’ve completed rehab.

Greg Ayotte, CBIST, is the director of client services for the Brain Injury Association of America.