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History

NASHIA is a voluntary membership organization established by State government employees to help one another plan, implement, and administer public programs and services for individuals with brain injury and their families. We are a public, nonprofit corporation exempt from taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

1990

The first State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, one day prior to the National Head Injury Foundation’s annual symposium. Barry Willer, Ph.D., Director of the Research and Training Center for Community Reintegration of Individuals with TBI, SUNY, co-sponsored the event and Susan Vaughn (MO) chaired the meeting.

A mailing list comprised of State head injury programs, vocational rehabilitation commissioners, State disability programs, and prevention programs was compiled by a few State government employees and maintained by the Missouri Head Injury Advisory Council.

1991

The 2 nd State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Kansas City, Missouri, with assistance from the University of Missouri-Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (RCEP), which handled registrations and hotel contracts, and the Missouri Head Injury Advisory Council, which developed the brochure and meeting arrangements.

1992

The 3 rd State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Kansas City, Missouri, with assistance from the University of Missouri-Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (RCEP) and the Missouri Head Injury Advisory Council.

1993

The National Conference of State Legislatures produced, What Legislators Need to Know About Traumatic Brain Injury with support from the Milbank Memorial Fund. William Reynolds (NY) and other State Agency staff contributed to this publication.

The 4 th State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Kansas City, Missouri, with assistance from the University of Missouri-Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (RCEP) and the Missouri Head Injury Advisory Council.

An organizational meeting was held on September 11, 1993, in Kansas City, Missouri. Participants elected the first slate of officers: Susan Vaughn (MO), President; Bill Reynolds (NY), President-Elect; and Debra Kamen (MA), Secretary-Treasurer.

The participants of that first organizational meeting voted to develop a newsletter and a survey to determine further interest in forming a national association as well as to gather specific program information for inclusion in a national directory.

1994

The first newsletter was developed, in part, through a contract with Pat Digre, former director of the Florida Head and Spinal Cord Injury Program, and produced by Missouri State Printing with funds generated by previous State of the States in Head Injury Meetings.

The January issue of The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, co-edited by Bill Reynolds and Bruce Rosen (NY), featured public policy issues and articles written by State employees administering head injury and vocational rehabilitation programs.

The 5 th State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Kansas City, Missouri, with assistance from the University of Missouri-Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (RCEP) and the Missouri Head Injury Advisory Council.

Bill Reynolds assumed duties as president thereby becoming the second president of the association. Other officers were Debra Kamen, President-Elect, and Augusta Cash, Secretary-Treasurer.

Organizational bylaws were adopted on October 15, 1994, calling for the Board of Directors to propose membership categories to the members during its annual meeting.

1995

The officers met during the summer to develop a plan to expand membership, financial resources and activities of the new organization.

The 6 th State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Kansas City, Missouri, with assistance from the University of Missouri-Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (RCEP) and the Missouri Head Injury Advisory Council.

Organizational bylaws were amended during the Annual Meeting of Members on October 8, 1995, to extend the term of officers from one year to two years, to create the office of Treasurer, to establish an executive committee, establish membership categories effective January 1, 1996, and to designate the calendar year as the fiscal year for the association. Lyle Van Deventer (IL) was elected as Treasurer.

Articles of Incorporation were filed in the State of Missouri on September 20, 1995

1996

A membership drive was conducted resulting in 75 members representing 33 States. A logo was developed for NASHIA and for founding members to use on their agency stationery.

A membership database was developed and maintained by Augusta Cash, Secretary, a bank account was opened by Lyle VanDeventer, Treasurer, and an official mailing address was established in Arlington, Massachusetts, by Debra Kamen, President-Elect.

The NASHIA President and President-elect met with the President of the Brain Injury Association to discuss collaboration between the two organizations. BIA provided a complimentary exhibit booth to NASHIA for the annual symposium held in Dallas, Texas.

Nationally, the Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 1996 was passed.

The 7 th State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Kansas City, Missouri, with assistance from the University of Missouri-Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Debra Kamen (MA) assumed duties as president. Other officers were Augusta Cash (AL), President-Elect; Chrystal Snyder (AZ), Secretary; and Lyle VanDeventer (IL), Treasurer.

1997

As a result of the TBI Act, the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Technical Assistance Center was established to support the Federal TBI State Grant Program administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

NASHIA was represented on the TBI Grant Program Task Force and the Federal Interagency Task Force.

NASHIA officers presented at the Brain Injury Association’s Annual Meeting of Members in Charlotte, North Carolina, and exhibited at the BIA National Symposium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The first National Directory of State Government Head Injury Contacts was published as was NASHIA’s first Annual Report.

A web page and list serve for government employees was established with assistance and support of the Ohio Valley Center for Brain Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation.

NASHIA members provided input on the article featuring traumatic brain injury published by USA Today and to the General Accounting Office of the US Congress, which prepared a report on State responses to TBI.

The 8 th State of the States in Head Injury Meeting held in Kansas City, Missouri.

NASHIA members were surveyed regarding using brain injury in lieu of head injury in the organizational name.

The US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau awarded grants to States to establish or enhance capacity in service delivery as the result of the TBI Act.

1998

The National Directory of State Head Injury Government Contacts was updated.

NASHIA leaders provided input on the TBI Demonstration Grant Task Force and subcommittees: Education and Resources, Service Delivery System, Collaboration and Linkages, Common Definitions, and Evaluation Strategy and assisted in the development of the MCHB TBI Grant Program 5-Year Long Range Plan.

The 9 th Annual State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Kansas City, Missouri. Elected new officers: Augusta Cash, (AL), President; Marilyn Edward, (IN), President-Elect; Sharyl Helgeson, (MN), Secretary; and Cindy Murdock-Elliot, (TN, Treasurer.

The Board held a strategic planning meeting, “NASHIA, the Next Millennium” to develop goals and plans for expanding the capacity of NASHIA. The President appointed subcommittee to study the possibility of changing the name of NASHIA.

1999

NASHIA was awarded a one-year contract from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, to develop three facts sheets, expand the web page, create a PowerPoint Presentation and establish a Speakers’ Bureau.

NASHIA contracted with the University of Missouri-Columbia, RCEP, for staff assistance and to establish an office in Columbia, Missouri. Nancy Dystra Kaywood served in that capacity.

The Association applied for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

NASHIA leaders participated in the Brain Injury Association’s Stakeholders Meeting to draft legislation to extend and reauthorize the TBI Act of 1996. At the request of the U.S. Congress, the NASHIA president testified before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee on Public Health.

NASHIA updated the National Directory of State Head Injury Government Contacts. Disseminated research articles prepared by the Research and Training Center on Community Integration of TBI, Mt. Sinai, New York, in accordance with a collaborative agreement between NASHIA and the RRTC and the weekly Policy Corner produced by the Brain Injury Association.

NASHIA exhibited at the Brain Injury Association Annual Symposium held in New Orleans; the 23 rd Annual Williamsburg Conference; the TBI Grantee meeting held in Bethesda, Maryland; and the TBI in the 21 st Century Conference.

NASHIA representatives served on the TBI Technical Assistance Center Steering Committee, the Federal Interagency Task Force, MCHB Resource Guide Committee and the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association.

NASHIA pursued collaborative relationships with related organizations as part of the MCHB contract, including the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, National Association of State Medicaid Directors, and the National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Directors.

NASHIA participated as a co-sponsor with the US Departments of Education and Health and Human Services and others in the 1 st Federal Interagency Conference in Bethesda, Maryland. Participated in the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention summit, The Role of Public Health in Addressing Traumatic Brain Injury.

The 10 th Annual State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Kansas City, Missouri. Members considered a bylaws amendment that would change the name of the association; the bylaws amendment failed.

2000

NASHIA was granted tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; acquired liability insurance for Board of Directors and staff; and entered into agreements with an attorney, certified public accountant, and bookkeeper for professional services.

Membership increased by 63 percent, growing from 88 members to 145 with 43 States and territories represented by the end of the year, 31 of which included State Agency members.

The 11 th Annual State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Kansas City, Missouri. Cindy Murdock Elliott (TN) was elected President. Other officers: Augusta Cash ( AL) Past President; Lorraine Wargo (VT) President-Elect; Judy Johnston (NJ) Secretary; and John Capuco (NH) Treasurer.

NASHIA was represented on the TBI Technical Assistance Center Steering Committee, the Federal Interagency Task Force, and the Brain Injury Association’s Board of Directors and Special Task Force for Children and Adolescents with Traumatic Brain Injury.

NASHIA produced three fact sheets on TBI and emergency medical services, Medicaid, and employment in collaboration with the national organizations representing State directors of EMS, Medicaid, and vocational rehabilitation (CSAVR).

NASHIA representative attended the National State Directors of Emergency Medical Services annual meeting to introduce the new fact sheet on TBI and its potential use by EMS personnel and by staff in emergency departments.

NASHIA was awarded a five-year Partnership for Information and Communication (PIC) cooperative agreement from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau to develop products and resources.

2001

NASHIA hired its first Executive Director, Susan H. Connors, and established a presence in Washington, DC.

A strategic planning meeting was held in July and the Board of Directors adopted a formal mission statement. The first independent audit of the association’s books was performed and formal policies, practices and procedures were adopted by the Board of Directors. Membership grew to 184 people representing 46 States and territories.

NASHIA signed its first Memorandum of Understanding with Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation.

NASHIA was represented at the Office of Civil Rights Olmstead Decision Meeting and the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force meetings; participated in the Federal Interagency Task Force; served on the Brain Injury Association’s Board of Directors; and participated in the Emergency Medical Services for Children’s Partnership for Children Consortium.

NASHIA attended and/or presented at the Brain Injury Association’s Public Policy Conference, National Symposium, and State Leadership Conference as well as the annual meetings of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Annual Medicaid Waiver Conference, and the HRSA/MCHB Grantees Meeting.

The January edition of The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation featured four articles authored by NASHIA members.

A bi-monthly news bulletin, Annual Report, National Directory of State Government Brain Injury Contacts, fact sheets and position papers were published. NASHIA’s website was revised and updated significantly increasing the number and scope of downloadable resources. Promotional posters and logo products were distributed to members.

NASHIA finalized the development of the NASHIA PowerPoint® Presentation, along with a speaker’s guide containing instructions, script, CD ROM, overhead transparencies, and an evaluation form.

The 12 th Annual State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held December 2-5, in Kansas City, Missouri. The theme of the conference: “Connect, Communicate and Collaborate.” NASHIA introduced its new Katie Cash annual award in recognition of vision and leadership in establishing NASHIA and within a person’s State. The first award was presented to Susan Vaughn (MO) from Augusta Cash (AL).

2002

The 13 th Annual State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Kansas City, Missouri. The conference title was, “Balancing Budgets, Advancing Outcomes.” NASHIA presented the Katie Cash Award to Debra Kamen (MA). Lorraine Wargo (VT) assumed duties as President; Cindy Murdock Elliott (TN), Past President; John Capuco (NH), President-Elect, Tom Brown (IA), Secretary and Dianne Kayala (RI).

2003

NASHIA produced its first web cast with assistance from the US Health Resources and Services Administration (PIC contract). The subject of the web cast was housing and it was held in January.

NASHIA published “Guide to State Government Brain Injury Policies, Funding and Services, which was distributed to members, advocates, professionals, and policymakers.

The 14 th Annual State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in San Antonio, Texas. The Katie Cash Award was presented to Augusta Cash (AL).

NASHIA was awarded a five-year TBI Technical Assistance Contract from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau to provide technical assistance and support to States and Protection and Advocacy Systems and the Federal TBI Program. Click here for an organizational chart illustrating the relationship between the Federal TBI Program, its TBI Technical Assistance Center, and NASHIA. [PDF 60 KB]

In June, NASHIA produced its second web cast on TBI and substance abuse issues.

2004

The 15 th Annual State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Nashville, Tennessee. The Katie Cash Award was presented to William A.B. Ditto (NJ). John Capuco, NH, assumed duties as President. William A.B. Ditto was elected as President-Elect; Colleen Ryall (KY), Secretary; and Tom Brown (IA), Treasurer.

During the annual business meeting held September 11, 2004, NASHIA adopted its public policy platform as recommended by the Public Policy Committee chaired by William Ditto.

NASHIA established a behavioral health task force chaired by Tom Brown (IA) to develop a guide on behavioral issues and traumatic brain injury.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid invited NASHIA to participate in a Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waiver redesign along with representatives from the national organization representing State directors of Medicaid, Aging, and Developmental Disabilities.

NASHIA sponsored its third web cast on TBI and domestic violence issues.

NASHIA became a member of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), which is a coalition of approximately 100 national disability organizations that work together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the self determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.

NASHIA produced a fact sheet on “TBI and Older Adults” with assistance from the PIC contract.

NASHIA and Council of State Administrators on Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR) convened a Task Force on TBI and Employment and NASHIA representatives attended two CSAVR conferences to report on the purpose and progress of the Task Force. CSAVR and NASHIA updated its MOU.

2005

NASHIA assigned part-time staff in the role of Director of Public Policy responsible for monitoring legislation and to work with other partners, particularly the Brain Injury Association of America, to further funding and other legislative efforts that may benefit individuals with traumatic brain injury and their families.

NASHIA Public Policy staff produced the “108 th Congress NASHIA Final Report” providing a status of legislation NASHIA monitored and supported during the 108 th Congress.

NASHIA Public Policy Committee produced a Public Policy Brochure outlining NASHIA’s positions on proposed legislation and appropriations pertaining to the 109 th Congress.

NASHIA employed its second executive director, Kenneth H. Currier.

NASHIA assisted with the drafting of the TBI Act Reauthorization legislation and incorporated priorities of NASHIA, including reducing the State match requirements necessary for receiving Federal funding and expanding the TBI Act programs to include authority for appropriations for a new category called grants of national significance.

NASHIA partnered with the Brain Injury Association of America, National Brain Injury Research Treatment & Training Foundation, and the National Disabilities Rights Network (formerly the National Association of Protection & Advocacy Systems) to develop a series of advocacy fact sheets on the TBI Act Reauthorization and FY 2006 Appropriations for TBI Act Programs; Medicaid; Social Security; TBI Model Systems, and Soldiers with Traumatic Brain Injury. These materials were made available to participants attending an advocacy leadership training session in March 2005, and who also visited their Congressional representatives and senators. NASHIA Public Policy Chairman William A.B. Ditto assisted with the in-service training. NASHIA also updated its “How to Advocate as a State Employee” and made it available at the training session.

Co-sponsored with brain injury stakeholders (listed above) a legislative reception hosted by the Congressional TBI Task Force that was held March 2005 in Washington, D.C.

NASHIA Public Policy Chair William A.B. Ditto (NJ) presented testimony on State service delivery system issues during a Congressional Briefing for members of congress and staff entitled “Living with Brain Injury,” hosted by the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, March 17, 2005.

During the months of April and May, NASHIA hosted a series of three radio casts on neurobehavioral issues. Also, during May, NASHIA hosted its fourth web cast on trust funds, start up and administration, and in August held its fifth web cast on special education. A sixth web cast on employment was held in September.

The 16 th Annual State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Denver, Colorado. The Katie Cash Award was presented to Cindy Murdock Elliott (TN).

NASHIA published the second edition of the “Guide to State Government Brain Injury Policies, Funding and Services,” which was distributed to members, advocates, professionals, and policymakers.

In January, NASHIA sponsored a Region IV meeting for States in that region and the meeting was held In Atlanta. States planned the meeting around data and planning.

NASHIA added a “store” component to its web site so individuals may purchase materials.

2006

NASHIA Public Policy Committee developed a position paper on eliminating State match requirements for participation in the HRSA Federal TBI Program.

NASHIA re-designed its web site providing more information and online features in addition to improving the delivery of member services.

NASHIA is a co-sponsor with the US Departments of Education and Health and Human Services and others in the 2 nd Federal TBI Interagency Conference in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Behavioral Health Task Force released a handbook titled Neurobehavioral Issues of Traumatic Brain Injury: An Introduction.  The task force completed this work with support from NASHIA's Partnership for Information and Communication Cooperative Agreement (#4-U93MC00158-05-02) from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Federal Traumatic Brain Injury Program.

A CSAVR/NASHIA Memorandum of Understanding was revised and signed by CSAVR and NASHIA to establish a cooperative working environment. The NASHIA Employment Committee and the CSAVR/NASHIA Employment Task Force on TBI assisted with the development of the webcast on employment issues held in September 2005, by surveying counselors, and offering ideas for topics and speakers.

In 2006 NASHIA made a concerted effort to further outreach to other organizations with similar interests. A listserv of other organizations was developed. NASHIA successfully solicited support from these various organizations for FY 2006 and FY 2007 appropriations for the HRSA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) TBI Act programs.  NASHIA worked with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities to include NASHIA’s recommendations for funding programs established by the TBI Act in its budget recommendations for all disability programs. The CCD did include the TBI Act programs in their recommendations and the information is posted on the CCD website and was also given to members of Congress.

NASHIA participated in the Brain Injury Awareness Fair sponsored by the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force in March 2006. NASHIA members Augusta Cash, Lorraine Wargo and William A.B. Ditto participated in the fair and made congressional office visits.  NASHIA co-sponsored with the Brain Injury Association of America, National Brain Injury Research Treatment & Training Foundation, National Disabilities Rights Network, International Brain Injury Association and the North American Brain Injury Society a legislative reception hosted by the Congressional TBI Task Force that was held in March 2006 in Washington, D.C.

NASHIA continued participation on the committee established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to redesign the Home and Community-Based Medicaid waiver process and application.

NASHIA members and staff presented information on TBI and State service delivery to the Institute of Medicine Committee on Traumatic Brain Injury that was charged with evaluating the HRSA TBI Program.

The 17th Annual State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in Baltimore, Maryland. The Katie Cash Award was presented to Sharyl Helgeson (MN).

2007

NASHIA has continued to contract with Jean E. Bérubé of Bérubé, Zitnay & Associates, LLC, to assist with the passage of the reauthorization of the TBI Act, appropriations for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Federal TBI Program for FY 2007 and ‘08, and to promote collaboration with Departments of Defense (DoD)/Veterans Affairs (VA), states and NASHIA on community outreach and public resources for servicemembers with TBI and related conditions and their families.  As the result of her work, Jean has increased NASHIA’s visibility significantly with members of Congress and other potential partners.

While advocates and the public have called for improved and expanded care for America’s military men and women receiving VA health care and disability benefits, NASHIA has emphasized the role that state government also plays in providing outreach, public education and support, especially for those returning servicemembers with “mild” brain injury or previously undiagnosed TBI.  NASHIA staff developed the policy paper, “Role of State Government in Meeting the Needs of Returning Soldiers with TBI,” which Jean E. Bérubé circulated to the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.  With Jean’s assistance NASHIA has provided input into key legislation to improve veterans’ health care and access to state service delivery systems.

Kenneth H. Currier, Executive Director, also distributed the policy paper on returning soldiers to the IOM Committee and provided testimony on state service delivery in August during a hearing held by the IOM Committee. He has also provided the paper to veterans’ organizations. On behalf of NASHIA Ken provided input into the GAO report that is being prepared on the needs of the injured military involved in the Global War on Terrorism.

The Public Policy Committee and staff produced the public policy paper, “Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 Public Update,” outlining changes to Medicaid, Social Security and TANF. The document also notes trends in states as the result of the Medicaid changes; the potential impact on individuals with traumatic brain injury and TBI programs; and tips for TBI advisory councils, lead agencies and advocates for monitoring proposed changes within the states.

NASHIA prepared fact sheets supporting increases for the TBI Act programs for FY 2007 and for FY 2008, which were distributed to congressmen/women and made available for NASHIA members to use. NASHIA prepared educational packets for members of Congress and provided input into the “dear colleague” letter prepared by the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force Co-Chairs, Reps. Bill Pascrell and Todd Platts, calling for $15 million for the HRSA TBI State Grant Program, $6 million for the Protection and Advocacy Services Program and $9 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention TBI Program, that was sent to the House Appropriations Committee.

NASHIA participated in the Brain Injury Awareness Fair and events sponsored by the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force in March 2007. NASHIA Vice Chair Dianne Kayala represented NASHIA at the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force briefing and addressed the role of state government in delivering services to returning servicemembers. The theme of the briefing was “TBI: The Signature Wound of the War on Terrorism." 

NASHIA co-sponsored with the Brain Injury Association of America, National Brain Injury Research Treatment & Training Foundation, National Disabilities Rights Network, International Brain Injury Association and the North American Brain Injury Society a legislative reception hosted by the Congressional TBI Task Force that was held that same evening on Capitol Hill.

NASHIA was a member of the CCD and the American Brain Coalition and was represented by Kenneth H. Currier, Executive Director.  NASHIA also was a supporting member of the Campaign for Children’s Health Care Initiative.

NASHIA continues to participate on the committee established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to redesign the Home and Community-Based Medicaid waiver and application process to improve quality of community services. NASHIA members Bruce Rosen (NY), Russ Spearman (ID) and Debra Kamen (MA) represent NASHIA. In addition, William A.B. Ditto (NJ) participates on the work committee representing Cash and Counseling Grants. Others that participate represent the national organizations representing state directors administering aging, Medicaid, and developmental disabilities programs.

The 18th Annual State of the States in Head Injury Meeting was held in St. Louis, Missouri. The Katie Cash Award was presented to Lorraine Wargo (VT).  The first-ever Special Friend of NASHIA award was presented to John Corrigan, PhD, (Ohio Valley Center) for outstanding contributions and support of NASHIA and state service delivery systems.