Program areas at BIALA
The organization runs a statewide resource center, including offering programs and services, that fosters empowerment of individuals living with Brain and/or spinal cord Injury. The organization also educates professionals treating individuals with Brain and/or spinal cord injuries, and creates awareness for Injury prevention. The resouce center receives over 2,000 inquiries via their website on a monthly basis, over 400 calls per year on their direct helpline, and provides outreach to hospitals, resource fairs, and community events on average of 15 times per month. Programs offered include peer mentoring, grant assistance for basic daily equipment, support groups, connections circle (recreational/outreach 2023), and caregiving program. The organizations resource centers main focus is to provide outreach and resource facilitation.
The organization created an ambassador program to better connect to individuals living with, caring for, or treating Brain and/or spinal cord injuries and grow a network and community of support. Nine individuals serve as state ambassadors and act as the liaison for their region of the state. These ambassadors provide outreach, resources, and education to rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, support group leaders and work to connect directly with individuals living with Brain and/or spinal cord Injury. State ambassadors started two new survivor support groups, four new caregiver support groups, and hosted five community recreational events to foster a community of support.
The organization provides an annual conference for healthcare professionals, consumers, survivors and family members to share information on the latest advancements in science, technology, medicine, and community resources and servcies for Brain and/or spinal cord Injury treatment and recovery. On average, 200 individuals participate in a two day event which provides up to 12 continuining education credits to healthcare providers. On average, 40 of these individuals are living with a Brain and/or spinal cord Injury or are caring for these individuals.