SUPPORT GROUPS NEWSLETTER

What is a Support Group?

Brain injury support groups are important sources of support and information for survivors, families, and professionals. For many people, a health-related support group may fill a gap between medical treatment and the need for emotional support. A person's relationship with a doctor or other medical personnel may not provide adequate emotional support, and a person's family and friends may not understand the impact of a disease or treatment. A support group among people with shared experiences may function as a bridge between medical and emotional needs.

BIANC Annual Awareness Forum

Thriving Survivor Online Day Program

We're excited to share more information about brain injury and reach you virtually through our Brain Injury Awareness Virtual Forum.

Our Theme is: Unique and United. Topics include Brain Health & Wellness, Sensitivity, Paperwork Preparedness, and more!

The Brain Injury Association of North Carolina is partnering with Hinds Feet Farm to help provide meaningful activity virtually during the day. Survivors have the opportunity to engage with others as they participate in games, discussion groups, fitness, mindfulness, music therapy, dance, yoga, bingo, karaoke and more.

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BIANC Making Connections Podcast

BIANC BrainTalks

The Brain Injury Association of North Carolina is launching it's first Podcast! A series of interviews with individuals living with brain injury, caregivers, and professionals in the field. New episodes will be released every other Friday for Season 1 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, BuzzSprout, & YouTube.

Interested in being interviewed? Contact us today!

Have questions about brain injury or the changes that happen after? At the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina, we are here for you and open to any questions you might have. Send us your questions - no question too small. If we don't know the answer, we'll find someone who does! You are not alone after brain injury, and we are here to help.

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New Toolkit: Taking on Independence

This new resource is a step in helping the daily needs of individuals living with brain injury. Divided into 4 sections, this toolkit is helpful throughout the rehabilitation process after a brain injury. Templates for checklists, questions, schedules, health check-ins, medication lists, and more are available to use for caregivers, individuals living with brain injury, and professionals. We hope that these supports can allow individuals with brain injury to govern their own lives with the tools to achieve their goals more independently.

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New Toolkit: Acronym & Brain Injury Terms

This new resource is a great find for advocates for those looking to be more involved in the their care. It's often that professionals start talking with acronyms and confusing words that those outside the brain injury service system may not be used to hearing every day. We hope this guide helps you to navigate services easier and to engage in community councils/committee to communicate your needs.

Interested in being a part of change? Check out the NC Brain Injury Advisory Council.

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New Webinar: Music Therapy & the Brain

We will first take a look at what music therapy is through several musical examples to learn what some fundamental elements of music are. We will then explore the way music and it's elements affect the brain, how music is processed, and what this means for rehabilitation and treatment for individuals with brain injuries.

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Evidence-Based Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Justin Johnson MD, the Director of Veteran Services at HopeWay in Charlotte, a Command Psychiatrist in the US Army Reserve, and an Assistant Consulting Professor of Psychiatry at Duke, is an expert in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participants will learn about diagnosis of PTSD and evidence-based treatment options to care for Veterans with PTSD.

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Support Group Spotlight

Caregiver Support Group

LOBIS: Loved Ones of Brain Injury Survivors

This group is for Loved Ones of Brain Injury Survivors and meets on the first Saturday of each month at 11am.

For link to virtual meetings, Contact: Renee Johnson

Brain Injury Support Group

Boone/ Banner Elk Brain Injury Group

New group, meeting in person
 
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BIANC Social Media

Together after Brain Injury: Online Support Group

We  share positive messages, videos recorded at support group meetings and leaders can share actual links to their support groups or for a special program.

BIANC Facebook Group

There are lots of videos and links to educational and activity sessions that you may enjoy.  Look for Follow the Turtle talks by Kitty Barringer to Educate Survivors and 5@5 Tips for Caregivers, by Karen Keating.

BIANC YouTube Page

We share mental health, stories, experiences, and other educational videos about brain injury. Be sure to subscribe so that you get updated when we post something new!
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Blogs & Resources

The Lemon Tree

by Becca Fisher. This is a sample of some of her writing: "Hi my name is Becca and I am a 40-year-old mom of three boys and a stroke survivor. I’ve started this blog because I’m finally feeling strong enough mentally and physically to be able to give back to others- especially other moms navigating their way through adversity.one of my goals is to to empower other women, especially moms by sharing my journey on learning how to find and nurture a growth mindset;to find the resources they need In order to feel like a successful parent as well as learn ways to reconnect with and have fun with their children. I’ve started this blog in order to help chronicle my journey of parenting and my personal evolution while recovering from a massive Ischemic stroke and trying to maintain a positive mindset, I’ll discuss my thoughts on positivity through growth."

Power of Patients

Brain injuries change people. Clinicians have difficulties diagnosing patients and prescribing effective therapeutics. This stems from a lack of knowledge that plagues the medical community and the research industry. Clinical trials are lacking because brain injuries are more than complex, they are intricate, complicated, and unique. Unique to every patient. Power of Patients can change this. Our dashboard is designed to help brain injury patients drive change. Together we can reshape and accelerate clinical trials to help people with brain injuries.
 

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Powerful Tools for Caregivers consists of six 90- minute sessions of practical training. The curriculum, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, is an award-winning educational program that provides caregivers with tools and strategies to better cope with their unique challenges.