Brain Injury and Housing

Brain injury is known as an invisible disability, and it can have effects on every aspect of a person’s life, including safe and stable housing. Housing is one of the primary social determinants of health, and having affordable, accessible, and appropriate housing can be life-saving. Learn more in our February blog post: https://www.biav.net/events/february2022blog/

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Virginia Regional Public Hearings

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. There will be four separate virtual hearings with legislators from each region participating as follows: Northern Virginia Western Virginia Hampton Roads Central Virginia (Richmond) The purpose of the hearings is to receive comments on the Governor’s 2022-2024 biennial state budget. Those persons wishing to speak may register to…

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BIAV’s New Podcast, Brain Talk, Highlights the Resilience of Our Community

In each episode of BIAV’s new podcast, Brain Talk, we explore a different facet of our vibrant brain injury community, whether it’s family relationships, service animals, working in the field, nutrition, art, music, social connections, and everything in between. Episode 1 – Don’t Just Walk it Off Featuring Rylie Power, an Occupational Therapist working in the brain…

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Waiver Rate Models Public Comment

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), in collaboration with the Department of Medical Assistance Services, is in the process of reviewing payment rates for services delivered through the DD Waivers as well as Personal Assistance, Respite, Nursing, and Service Facilitation services across programs. The Burns & Associates division of Health Management…

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Gov. Signs Bill Expanding Brain Injury Services to Students & Families

Press release

Governor Signs Momentous Legislation Expanding Services to Students with Brain Injuries Today, Governor Northam signed House Bill 2182, sponsored by Delegate Tony Wilt, into law. This momentous legislation will expand the Virginia Department of Education’s (DOE’s) definition of traumatic brain injury to include an acquired injury to the brain caused by a medical condition. DOE’s…

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For Families & Individuals: High Needs Support Waiver Overview

The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) has developed an overview of the new high needs support waiver, which focuses on housing and employment. This overview is geared towards families and individuals. Access the presentation here. For further information, go to the DMAS website. Questions? Reach out: info@biav.net.

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Family Caregivers Sought for Research Study – Earn $100 or More!

Siblings

ISA Associates, a behavioral health and research organization is testing a new web-based wellness program made specifically for working caregivers. The program, called THRIVE!, was developed using a grant from the National Institutes of Health.  The goals of THRIVE! are to: Improve the wellbeing of family caregivers and help manage the stresses of working and…

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BIAV Honors Executive Director’s 20th Year

Press release

The Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV) is honoring Executive Director Anne McDonnell’s 20th anniversary with the organization this month. The only statewide association dedicated exclusively to improving the lives of people impacted by brain injury in Virginia, BIAV has seen tremendous growth under Ms. McDonnell’s direction. “She is the epitome of leadership and excellence…

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CDC Releases New Report on Emergency Department Visits for Bicycle-Related TBIs/Concussions

In Monday, May 17th’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted a new report that indicates that the rate of emergency departments (ED) visits for bicycle-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions decreased by almost half (49%) among children, but only by 6% among adults between 2009 and…

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