News Archives - Brain Injury Association of Virginia

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

By Debra Holloway | September 1, 2021 |

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…

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

By Debra Holloway | June 30, 2021 |

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…

For Families & Individuals: High Needs Support Waiver Overview

By Debra Holloway | June 18, 2021 |

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.

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

By Debra Holloway | June 7, 2021 |

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…

BIAV Honors Executive Director’s 20th Year

By Debra Holloway | June 4, 2021 |

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…

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

By Debra Holloway | May 21, 2021 |

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…

Researchers Seeking Women Caregivers to Participate in Virtual Interviews

By Debra Holloway | May 21, 2021 |

Are you a woman serving as a full-time caregiver to a survivor of brain injury? If so, your voice, ideas, and perspectives are sought for a study that will help inform practice and supports. Most caregiving is provided by mothers, partners, sisters, and daughters, but few studies have looked specifically at the experiences of these…

BIAV Wins National Innovation Award from the Alliance for Information and Referral Systems

By Debra Holloway | May 17, 2021 |

The Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV) has been selected as the 2021 Alliance for Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) winner for Innovation in Operational Effectiveness. AIRS is the driving force behind the delivery of quality information and referral (I&R) services and the sole source for standards, program accreditation and practitioner certification for the I&R…

Love Your Brain 6-Week Wellness Program: Enrollment Now Open!

By Debra Holloway | April 14, 2021 |

Join Love Your Brain for a FREE 6-week online program designed to build resilience and community through yoga, mindfulness, and education for people with traumatic brain injury (including concussion) and their family caregivers. You can choose between: A weekly Group Discussion over Zoom to cultivate mental flexibility, positive thinking, and more! A weekly gentle Yoga…

FREE Positive Parenting Workshop

By Debra Holloway | April 12, 2021 |

If you or someone you know is a parent with a traumatic brain injury, we invite you to attend the next FREE virtual session focusing on positive parenting. Details: April 28, 2021 – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (EST) All participants will be given a $100 gift card for participating. Please view the event flyer…