Brain Injury 101 Amanda Nieser Brain Injury 101 Amanda Nieser

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Individuals with Brain Injury

This comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Guide was created specifically for individuals with brain injury, their families, and caregivers. Developed in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania, the guide offers clear, step-by-step instructions for preparing for a wide range of emergencies—from natural disasters to medical crises. Inside, you'll find practical tools such as a self-assessment checklist, personalized planning templates, emergency contact forms, and kit checklists. Whether you're starting from scratch or improving an existing plan, this guide empowers you to be prepared, stay safe, and maintain independence during critical situations.

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Brain Injury 101 Amanda Nieser Brain Injury 101 Amanda Nieser

Podcast: Brain Injury & Consistency

In Episode 6 of Season 4 of the Mentor Moments podcast, NASHIA Director of Professional Development Maria Crowley shares her inspiring journey being a champion for individuals affected by brain injuries. As a leader at NASHIA and in the field, Maria discusses her extensive career in rehabilitation counseling and her commitment to supporting both clients and team members. This episode offers valuable insights into the importance of consistency in the impactful work being done to assist those with brain injuries.

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Brain Injury 101 Amanda Nieser Brain Injury 101 Amanda Nieser

From screening to success stories: Importance of early detection of brain injury

Brain injuries (BIs) often remain undetected, particularly among vulnerable populations such as those involved in the criminal legal system, individuals experiencing homelessness, and Medicaid recipients. Early detection is crucial, as timely screening and coordinated care can significantly improve outcomes and support recovery. Managed care organizations, like UnitedHealthcare Community & State, play a pivotal role in expanding screening efforts, connecting individuals to appropriate rehabilitation services, and enhancing cross-system collaboration. Co-authored by NASHIA staff, this article delves into the importance of early BI detection and highlights success stories that underscore the transformative impact of proactive identification and comprehensive support.

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Brain Injury 101, Criminal Legal System Amanda Nieser Brain Injury 101, Criminal Legal System Amanda Nieser

A.H.E.A.D.: Achieving Healing Through Education, Accountability, and Determination

A psycho-educational curriculum for traumatic brain injury, the goal is to provide justice-involved individuals who have screened positive for traumatic brain injury (TBI) with the insight and tools to better cope with and address the symptoms that they deal with, such as short-term memory loss, delayed speed of processing, and difficulty with emotional regulation. This group curriculum was developed based on best practices for group facilitation for individuals with TBI. In addition, the group topic focus areas were selected to address the hallmark symptoms of TBI.

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Brain Injury 101 Amanda Nieser Brain Injury 101 Amanda Nieser

State Considerations - CMS Recognizes Brain Injury As Chronic Condition

This new resource, brought to you by NASHIA and the Brain Injury Association of America, seeks to provide an overview of the practical implications for the new designation of brain injury as a chronic condition by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The guide covers what this new designation means from a policy level, and also offers tips for states on how to support brain injury champions, leverage the designation for additional Medicaid considerations, and utilize it beyond Medicare/Medicaid.

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Concussion Awareness Now

Concussion Awareness Now brings together nearly twenty organizations that care deeply about brain injury. The coalition, and website, have been created to help people learn more about concussions. The campaign’s goal is to make sure that every person who sustains a concussion receives a diagnosis, the best possible care and the resources and information they need.

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TeachAids Concussion Education Product Suite

NASHIA has partnered with TeachAids, a nonprofit leader in global education innovation, to distribute free state-of-the-art concussion education products to include, 1) Crashcourse Concussion Education, 2) Brain Fly-Through, and 3) Concussion Story Wall. TeachAids “research-based interactive productions are available online as standard videos and in virtual reality (free of charge) to provide athletes, parents, coaches and the sports community with the latest medical knowledge on the prevention and treatment of concussions.”

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