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Press conference held to raise awareness for Traumatic Brain Injury (February, 2009) Tallahassee - More than 210,000 Floridians are living with TBI-related disabilities. 40 survivors of traumatic brain injury and their families, medical providers and legislators wearing bright blue t-shirts and buttons with the message “Living with TBI, 1 of 210,000” helped put a face and a story with those numbers at Brain Injury Association of Florida’s TBI Press conference held at the Capitol on February 17, 2009. The message shared by speakers and consumers alike was clear- keep brain injury funded in Florida and ensure services are available.
Key note speakers included Brad Johnson, representing Democratic Rep. Allen Boyd, 2nd District of Florida, Dr. Jennifer Bencie, Director for the Division of Emergency Medical Operations of the Florida Department of Health, Lt. Col. James Edwards, Nurse Manager of the Brain Injury and Pediatrics Unit at Brooks Rehabilitation Center, U.S. Army Reserve, Erick Collazo, Parent of a son who sustained a traumatic brain injury, Frank Toral, President of BIAF and Thom DeLilla, Bureau Chief, Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program, Florida Department of Health.
Facts: Over 8,200 Floridians sustain long-term disabilities as a result of their TBI each year. These estimates do not include the impact of TBI on Florida’s returning service men and women, for whom brain injury has been labeled the “signature wound.” In 2005, 93,000 TBIs occurred in Florida, leading to more than 71,000 emergency department visits and nearly 18,000 hospitalizations. Falls were the leading cause of injury.
The press conference was the culmination of a three-year, federally funded partnership between the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program of the Florida Department of Health, the Brain Injury Association of Florida and WellFlorida Council called Project ACTION. The Project’s Fact sheet highlighting TBI statistics and Florida’s 5-year Strategic Vision for TBI are available here.
ELIZABETH PHILLIPS: The Long Journey
Special to the Gainesville Sun
(January 20, 2008)
Every day we are faced with life and death, but this past year seemed especially intense in its tragedy and loss. Below are some thoughts based on my experiences with people and families coping with catastrophic injuries and loss of loved ones.
First of all, suffering is no respecter of persons. Any one of us could be in the same situation tomorrow regardless of physical health, background, gender, affluence, religious affiliation, educational level or sphere of influence in our communities.
Frequently, people are injured while taking risks or being careless. In stark contrast, many others are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. All it takes is a momentary lapse of judgment on our part or that of another.
Have you ever slipped on a wet surface? Missed a step because you were carrying too much? Abruptly passed a vehicle because it was moving too slow in your opinion? Pushed the proverbial envelope to impress someone? The action doesn't even need to be inherently dangerous to result in injury. All it takes is a moment and life as you know it is spinning out of control.
Second, catastrophic injuries cause pain not only for the individuals but also anyone who cares about them. That increased emotional intensity is reflected in the interactions between family, friends, medical staff and injured people.
Whatever relationship dynamics exist - whether supportive or destructive - are amplified exponentially. Parents or spouses will remain at bedside, forsaking sleep, nourishment and anything else so that they will be there at the first sign of response.
Conversely, any resentment between siblings or significant others and family will assuredly flare up in the face of the imminent impact these injuries have on their lives. Injured people with estranged or no family at all find little consolation in spite of the most compassionate care. The experience reiterates the stark reality that they are alone in this world. The desperation in their eyes is profound.
Still, a little kindness goes a long way. If we can remember the times in our lives when we too were hurting, we tend to treat our patients or clients with higher regard for the unique people they are. Even family members who have to assertively advocate for injured loved ones can do so while still appreciating the care that medical staff provide and recognizing the enormous stress under which they work. The results are usually far better than the adversarial "us" vs. "them" perspective.
This kindness is also found in true friends and close family who are still "checking in" after the initial shock of the news has been tempered by the passing of several months.
Traumatic brain injury in particular is aptly described as "incomplete death." The families and even the individuals mourn the loss of who they were before injury. The ongoing effect of short-term memory loss, personality changes, uncontrolled emotions, and decreased inhibition can lead to extreme depression.
Still, there is hope in the "incomplete." You do have another chance to express your love to those who are dear to you. You do have that one more day to make sure that nothing important is left unsaid.
Finally, faith brings great strength beyond what can be explained. It is a marvelous anchor, holding firm regardless of how recent or long ago the individuals or family members last held to it.
Even if the individuals apparently have no family or friends, they recognize that they are never truly alone. A quiet resolve grows in spite of unchanged or even worsening circumstances. They experience the same emotional roller coaster but recognize true life as that which doesn't end when the heart fails or brain waves cease.
In this light, the injuries (or chronic illnesses for that matter) are regarded as temporary even if the conditions last for years. They know that one day they will lay down this suffering like a robe and bid their loved ones farewell; for even the separation of death is temporary. They find hope in the object of their faith and the promise that they will one day be completely free.
Elizabeth Phillips lives in Bronson.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOCUSED ON TREATMENT OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES
(July 24, 2007) Tallahassee - The Florida Department of Health (DOH) today highlights the results of a comprehensive statewide traumatic brain injury (TBI) needs and resource assessment conducted by the Department’s Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program. Each year, more than 93,000 Floridians experience mild, moderate or severe brain trauma. The cumulative number of survivors of brain injury in Florida is approximately 370,000 and expected to rise to 435,350 people by 2015.
“Florida is focused on not only recognizing traumatic brain injuries, but forging workable solutions,” Florida State Surgeon General Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H., said.
The study, in cooperation with the Brain Injury Association of Florida and the WellFlorida Council, identified obstacles in treating brain injuries including lack of access to specialized services, rehabilitation, therapies and long-term services and supports, along with lack of coordination among services and organizations.
The Florida Department of Health’s Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program is using the study to detail a plan addressing barriers to treatment.
“We are utilizing the report to help us craft a public awareness campaign, develop TBI materials, and engage community organizations,” TBI Coordinator Kris Shields said. “This is a multi-year, community and agency effort.”
The mission of the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program is to provide all eligible residents who sustain a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury the opportunity to obtain the necessary services enabling them to return to their community. For more information visit www.floridashealth.com, www.biaf.org, www.wellflorida.com, or contact TBI Coordinator Kris Shields toll-free at (866) 875-5660.
Kevin Cate
Press Secretary
Florida Department of Health
w: (850) 245-4444 ext. *2121
c: (850) 528-8880
e: Kevin_Cate@doh.state.fl.us
The Brain. Respect it. Protect it.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
(March 1, 2007) - Tallahassee - Governor Crist has proclaimed March as Brain Injury Awareness Month and Brain Injury Association of Florida, Inc. (BIAF) has developed a campaign to bring greater focus on the issues surrounding traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and on the Florida families who must learn to survive them. Recently, ABC News journalist, Bob Woodruff aired his work, “To Iraq and Back,” documenting his personal survival of a traumatic brain injury. BIAF President, Dr. Bernard Brucker expressed his appreciation for Bob Woodruff’s announcement of his new partnership with Brain Injury Association of America to advance awareness as well as raise funds to assist injured soldiers and their families through the challenges of surviving a traumatic brain injury.
“Traumatic brain injury has been called the silent epidemic in America and it is time to seriously address the needs of those who survive. Florida has one of the largest and most productive Brain Injury Associations advancing the best standard of care in Florida including cognitive therapy. This month is our opportunity to educate and inspire Florida citizens to protect and respect their brain because it is the master controller of their health and their bodies. We also want Floridians to know that BIAF works in partnership with the State of Florida’s Brain and Spinal Cord Injury program to provide programs and resources for counseling, therapy and ongoing support. There are over 30 support groups around the state. Should families or survivors of TBI ever need help, information or referral we want them to please call the BIAF toll-free Helpline at 800-992-3442.”
Brain Injury Association of Florida will be hosting a public event at the top of the Capitol on March 22nd as well as other venues around the state throughout the month to distribute information in the form of their new TBI FACTBook.
For more information, contact:
Deanna Mims
Community Relations
Brain Injury Association of Florida, Inc.
1621 Metropolitan Boulevard
Suite B Tallahassee, Florida 32308
850.410.0103
dmims@biaf.org
www.biaf.org
President of Florida Brain Injury Association Commends
FSU Coach Andrews
(November 3, 2006) Tallahassee - President of Brain Injury Association of Florida (BIAF), Bernie Brucker, Ph, D., ABPP, called on FSU to recognize Seminole Coach Mickey Andrews for responding quickly to possible symptoms of concussion exhibited by FSU sophomore Jae Thaxton in the Maryland football game.
“It is hard to pull an athlete from the heat of a close game especially when he is contributing positively. Coach Andrews’ quick action averted additional injury to this player, showed concerned leadership and needs to be commended,” Brucker offered.
Concussions are serious injuries and even though concussions are considered mild brain injuries, symptoms may not show up for days or even weeks after an injury so keeping an eye on someone with a concussion is critical to their care. Dizziness and sleepiness are what most people look for as well known symptoms of concussion. What they may not know is any problems with vision, dramatic mood swings or behavior changes as well as with memory or concentration means they need to see a doctor for help.
“Coach Andrews did the right thing by Jae Thaxton and we hope that others participating in athletics at all age levels will learn from his example and take concussions seriously when they occur and do what they can, when they can to prevent them,” stated Brucker.
BIAF’s prevention and education programs serve thousands of Floridians every year through innovative safety and prevention projects, products, resources and tools that promote preventive behaviors to all age groups.
For more information, contact:
Valerie E. Breen M.S.S.A., ACSW
Executive Director
Brain Injury Association of Florida, Inc.
850.410.0103
vbreen@biaf.org
