Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Resources Washington State

Latest News

For Information about assistance during the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” period.  The WA State Coronavirus website is a great reference and starting point.  https://coronavirus.wa.gov/

 

Brain Health and Wellness Classes

The BIAWA is sponsoring FREE Brain Health and Wellness Classes via ZOOM for anyone to attend.  A variety of topics will be discussed including health and fitness, managing fatigue, problem solving and much more. The link below will provide Registration information.

https://www.biawa.org/support/brain-health-wellness-classes

 

Washington State Drive-In Wi-Fi Hotspots Location Finder

If you live in a rural Area, you can access the internet through Washington State Drive-In Wi-Fi Hotspots.  Locations can be found on the website WA Commerce Department:

www.driveinwifi.wa.gov

 

TBI Virtual Support Groups: Virtual Education and Social Support - Sep 2020

Virtual Support Groups are being offered on the “Hey Peers” platform

https://heypeers.com/members/sign_up?org=Washington State Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support

TBI Support Groups Information

The Washington State Traumatic Brain Injury Council provides Support Groups through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) that emphasize education and interpersonal support. The TBI Support Groups are predicated on the concept that a person-centered approach can empower and enrich an individual’s life following a Traumatic Brain Injury.

To that end, the emphasis of DSHS TBI Funded Support groups is to aid in developing long-term knowledge and generic problem-solving skills to help attendees overcome obstacles that may interfere with a fulfilling life. While these groups may provide a therapeutic effect, they do not provide therapy and instead focus on delivering organized bodies of knowledge and resources for the betterment of attendees.  

The universal shift to a single virtual platform for Support Groups continues the work previously started, and truly brings opportunities to all parts of Washington State.  Increased opportunity to attend and receive support, education, and resource information is an important part of the work that can meet even remote rural areas.  This shift allows for the outreach necessary to grow TBI programs, resources, education, and information under new systems.

Before we entered the global pandemic that we are currently facing, the TBI Council along with the TBI Executive Committee all had great input and continue to work on building the exciting new virtual platform that will enable us to provide great outreach to the TBI Community.  Support groups will continue to be tailored to the TBI Community with the input from the TBI Council & TBI Executive Committee, and continue to grow in a continued effort to meet TBI Community needs.

TBI Executive Committee Members have worked tirelessly in an effort to align closely with telemedicine and modern counseling standards, and also provide a viable virtual platform.  It is of the upmost importance to have a virtual platform that is accessible to this community, and also technically secure.  This process has not been easy, but we feel that we have contracted with a virtual platform provider that will enhance the important support groups for the TBI Community.

Current Monthly Group Schedule

2nd Wednesday 3-4 PM

2nd Wednesday 6-7 PM

2nd Saturday 11-12 AM

3rd Friday 5-6 PM

4th Monday 6-7 PM

4th Thursday 2-3 PM

 

 

                                         

Resource and Support Programs

The Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership Advisory Council is governed by RCW Chapter 74.31, and addresses issues related to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The intent of the statute is to bring together expertise from the public and private sector to address the needs and gaps in services for this community.

The RCW requires that services are in place for Information and Referral (Resources) and Support Groups that have a statewide presence. 
RCW - Chapter 74.31

 

Brain Injury Alliance of Washington (BIAWA)

The BIAWA provides FREE services to individuals with TBI, including their family members and caregivers through information, referral, and resource management. BIAWA participates in a public awareness campaign, helping to explain services and prevention methods.

BIAWA can be contacted at – 877-982-4292
Website - www.biawa.org

 

Brain Energy Support Team (BEST)

BEST provides support groups, activities/events and education for individuals with TBI, which includes their family members, caregivers, and the general public within their communities. BEST Facilitators and Support Group Coaches are within local communities around the state as a resource and mediator to resources within those local communities.

BEST can be contacted at – 877-719-2378
Website - www.brainenergysupportteam.org

 

Washington State Department of Veteran Affairs (WDVA)

The WDVA provides direct and indirect support to veterans and anyone living with, working with or supporting veterans who have incurred a brain injury through 1:1 case management, education, awareness building, connecting with proper referrals and innovative programs such as the Max Impact (TBI) smartphone app all free of charge.

Website - www.dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/counseling-and-wellness/traumatic-brain-injury-tbi

 

Washington State Lifespan Respite (LRW)

Respite is planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult with special needs in order to provide temporary relief to family caregivers caring for that child or adult.  Respite is provided informally or in a more structured way through programs based on a variety of eligibility criteria.  Some respite programs may utilize an available bed in a healthcare facility for families who require extended respite options for a family member or friend requiring skilled care.
Website – www.lifespanrespitewa.org

 

Housing Resources

Housing and Homelessness Assistance – WA State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce has state and federal fund sources that support housing and homeless programs statewide. If you are homeless or about to become homeless you can connect a local sources through the Coordinated Entry Program (linked in the red banner at the top of the webpage) or call the BIAWA Resource Center 1-877-982-4292 for more information.

Learn more about the various housing programs supported by Commerce. Many of the providers are connected to other resources that can also provide wrap around services in other areas besides housing issues.

https://www.commerce.wa.gov/serving-communities/homelessness/

 

DSHS Housing Assistance

DSHS Housing assistance information also includes information about Adult Family Homes, Assisted Living Facilities and In-Home Care Assistance, plus much more.