Learn about the Brain Injury Association of America

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is the country’s oldest and largest nationwide brain injury advocacy organization.  BIANC is a state affiliate of the BIAA.

BIAA’s Mission
Our mission is to be the voice of brain injury. Through advocacy, education and research, we bring help, hope and healing to millions of individuals living with brain injury, their families and the professionals who serve them. 

History
The Brain Injury Association of America was founded by individuals who wanted to improve the quality of life for their family members and patients who had sustained brain injuries.

Brain injury is not an event or an outcome. It is the start of a misdiagnosed, misunderstood, under-funded neurological disease. Individuals who sustain brain injuries must have timely access to expert trauma care, specialized rehabilitation, lifelong disease management and individualized services and supports in order to live healthy, independent and satisfying lives. 

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is the voice of brain injury. We are dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury through advocacy, education and research. With a nationwide network of more than 40 chartered state affiliates and hundreds of local chapters and support groups, we provide help, hope and healing for individuals who live with brain injury, their families and the professionals who serve them.

BIAA begins its 30th Anniversary with a special edition of THE Challenge!

BIAA’s website:  www.biausa.org

Advocacy & Government Affairs

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is the voice of brain injury on Capitol Hill. We tirelessly advocate for greater access to care for civilian and military populations, expanded brain injury research, adequate resources for state programs and increased congressional awareness of brain injury issues, among other priorities. 

Our grassroots network is a driving force influencing law making on a national level. Please join our advocacy community to receive our weekly electronic newsletter, Policy Corner, and legislative action alerts.

BIAA Unveils 2011 Legislative Fact Sheets!

On March 4, 2011, BIAA released its 2011 legislative fact sheets highlighting critical public policy issues for people with brain injury including access to care, research, TBI Act appropriations and reauthorization, military,and membership in the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force. BIAA is excited to move forward these priorities in the 112th Congress!

2012 Advocacy Message

Happy New Year! As the second session of the 111th Congress begins, BIAA is poised to take on both the opportunities and difficulties this session presents.

Many policymakers are focused on this year’s presidential and congressional elections, in which republicans will try to regain The White House while democrats try to regain the House of Representatives and both political parties vie for the Senate. 

Amidst the politicking, BIAA will continue to advocate with the support of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, a bi-partisan caucus of more than 120 members of Congress, led by Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., (NJ-D) and Rep. Todd Russell Platts (PA-R).

Our goals this year are to sustain and bolster brain injury programs, increase access to care and preserve vital brain injury research.

As in 2011, appropriations increases in 2012 are unlikely, but there are still many opportunities to advance our cause.

This year,  BIAA will continue to collaborate with the Health Resources and Services Administration, the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health , and the Food and Drug Administration, a new partnership that was developed in 2011.

BIAA will also continue to monitor and comment on the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ research and treatment for active duty military, their dependents and Veterans.

This year more than ever, BIAA will count on its grassroots advocates to show members of Congress how important brain injury is to their constituents. Thank you to everyone who participated in our action alerts last year. You’ve all truly made a difference and we hope to continue that excitement and dedication in 2012!