Brain Injury Association of America Launches California Chapter: How Survivors and Caregivers Can Get Involved

California is home to hundreds of thousands of people living with the effects of traumatic and acquired brain injury. As of August 2026, the state has a dedicated new voice standing with them: the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), the nation’s oldest and largest brain injury advocacy organization, has launched a brand-new California chapter, bringing local resources, support networks, and advocacy directly to survivors, caregivers, and the professionals who serve them.

BIAA’s new California chapter brings resources, national advocacy reach, and decades of experience of the country’s leading brain injury organization and is led by newly appointed Executive Director Krystal Adkins.

For anyone touched by brain injury, whether you’re a survivor rebuilding your life, a caregiver navigating a system that can feel overwhelming, or a healthcare provider looking for community, this launch is a chance to connect with people who understand exactly what you’re going through, right from the ground up.

Why a New California Chapter Matters

Brain injury doesn’t just affect the person who sustains it. It reshapes families, careers, and daily routines, often for years or decades after the initial injury. Survivors and caregivers frequently describe the same frustrations: not knowing where to turn for information, feeling isolated after the “casseroles stop coming,” and struggling to find providers who truly understand the long-term realities of brain injury recovery.

The new California chapter is a well-resourced hub for the state’s brain injury community; one built on national best practices from day one.

A dedicated California chapter means:

• Localized resources tailored to California’s healthcare, disability, and insurance systems
• Support groups and peer connections closer to home, reducing the isolation so many survivors and caregivers feel
• Education for families, professionals, and first responders on recognizing and responding to brain injury
• A stronger collective voice when it comes to state legislation and funding that impacts the brain injury community

With an estimated hundreds of thousands of Californians living with a traumatic brain injury, and many more affected by stroke, concussion, and other forms of acquired brain injury, the need for coordinated, local support has never been greater.

Meet the Chapter’s Leadership

Steering the new California chapter is Executive Director Krystal Adkins, who will oversee the chapter’s day-to-day operations and community partnerships as it builds out its programs and support network. Having dedicated leadership on the ground in California means survivors and caregivers will have a direct point of contact as the chapter grows, and a clear voice representing their needs at the state level.

Get Involved

The California chapter is built around the people who understand brain injury best: those who’ve lived it.

Brain injury survivors can get involved by joining support groups, sharing their recovery story to help others feel less alone, and participating in advocacy days that shape policy.

Caregivers and family members bring invaluable perspective on what support actually looks like day to day and can help other families avoid pitfalls they encountered themselves.

Healthcare and rehabilitation professionals can contribute clinical expertise, volunteer for educational events, and help bridge the gap between hospital discharge and long-term community support.

Community members, employers, and educators can help by attending awareness events, hosting fundraisers, and building brain-injury-informed practices into schools and workplaces.

Building a Stronger Brain Injury Community in California

The launch of BIAA’s new California chapter isn’t just an administrative milestone — it’s a fresh start for statewide brain injury support, and a signal that survivors and caregivers will have more resources, more community, and a louder voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Recovery from brain injury is rarely a straight line, and it’s almost never something people should have to navigate alone.

If you or someone you love has been affected by brain injury, now is the time to get connected. Reach out, show up to an event, join a support group, or simply start by learning more about what’s available in your area.

Want to learn more or get involved? Visit biausa.org/california to find resources, upcoming events, and ways to connect with the growing California brain injury community.