2277 Highway 36 West, Suite 200 Roseville, MN 55113-3830
Phone: 612-378-2742
Toll Free: 1-800-669-6442
Fax: 612-378-2789
E-Mail:info@braininjurymn.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Brain Injury Alliance of Minnesota Overview
Life after brain injury can be overwhelming; the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance has numerous services available to support persons affected by brain injury and the professionals who support them.
Alliance Departments:
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Resource Facilitation
Resource Facilitators are available to provide confidential support following a brain injury. Persons with brain injury, their family or friends, and professionals can use this FREE statewide telephone service to answer questions, problem-solve issues, find brain injury support resources, navigate complicated systems and assist with educating family, employers and professionals about living with a brain injury.
Persons affected by brain injury or their families can seek support from the Resource Facilitation service anytime after a brain injury. Many are referred to the service at the point of hospital discharge, but anyone can self-refer or be referred by a professional, such as a social worker, rehabilitation provider, teacher or nurse, at any time.
Participants in Resource Facilitation can receive scheduled calls at regular intervals for up to two years or longer to ensure that their needs are met. Resource Facilitation allows individuals to determine the level of support needed and provides information and support so that each person can actively guide and direct his or her rehabilitation process. Participants can initiate further calls at any time.
Interpretation services are available for non-English speakers. Resource Facilitation does not replace any medical or rehabilitation follow-up that may be needed. - Case Management
The Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance is contracted by Hennepin and Ramsey counties to provide waivered services. Case Management supports individuals who have a brain injury diagnosis and are eligible for either a Community Alternative for Disabled Individuals (CADI) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver. The CADI Waiver provides funding for home and community-based services for people who would otherwise require a level of care provided in a nursing facility while the TBI Waiver provides funding for similar person-centered services for people who have an acquired or traumatic brain injury and can benefit from behavior related services.
- Multicultural Outreach
Multicultural Outreach services broadens awareness of brain injury in racially/ethnically diverse communities and connects underserved communities affected by brain injury to support services. This is achieved by working closely with existing cultural service organizations to provide education and support to professionals, spiritual leaders, elders and community members. The Multicultural Outreach service also assists homeless individuals with traumatic brain injury and those affected by domestic violence. Bilingual and culturally-specific staff and interpreters are available.
- Education
Education services offers a variety of education opportunities for persons affected by brain injury and the professionals who support them.
Persons affected by brain injury can take advantage of free and low-cost educational opportunities such as Brain Injury Basics I–III classes (An Introduction; Adjustment to Disability; Caregiving), the Annual Family Retreat and a one-day symposium for individuals living with brain injury and their families is scheduled for August 9, 2008.
Professional development programming is offered through our Annual Conference for Professionals in Brain Injury, brain injury trainings and seminars, such as Brain Injury Basics for Professionals, Shaken Baby Syndrome/inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury, Long-Term Care, and Family Violence and Brain Injury. Wednesday Workshops (Twin Cities metropolitan area) and Tuesday Trainings (greater Minnesota) are additional professional development opportunities. Professionals gain certificate of attendance for all classes.
- Public Policy Advocacy
The Public Policy department conducts direct and grassroots advocacy activities to ensure we have sound public policies to meet the needs of people with brain injury and their families. Grassroots advocacy activity is designed to engage people to become more involved in the democratic process of their government. Through encouraging people with brain injury and their loved ones to tell their stories to policymakers and by training individuals in effective advocacy skills we hope to create better state policies to ensure we are meeting the needs of all Minnesotans affected by brain injury. Funding for public policy advocacy is through private dedicated funding.
- Public Awareness
The Public Awareness department conducts outreach to increase awareness of brain injury causes and symptoms through media stories, targeted marketing and exhibit attendance. Public Awareness publications are available to help individuals with brain injury and their families become aware of available services, and to reach professionals with information about brain injury. These publications include informational brochures, the quarterly Mind Matters magazine, a bi-weekly electronic newsletter, the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance Web site and our Consumer Guide.
- Volunteer
Individuals volunteer a diversity of skills, expertise and time so that the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance can reach more people and better serve those in need. The Volunteer program offers one time or ongoing volunteer opportunities and workplace experience as well as an opportunity for persons with brain injury to socialize and develop individual skills. Volunteers assist with administrative tasks, represent the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance at public events, translate material, and photograph and register participants at events. Individuals can also volunteer through the Speakers Bureau program, allowing them to take their personal story about brain injury and the Alliance to communities throughout Minnesota.
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- Speakers Bureau
The Speakers Bureau offers an opportunity for people to raise awareness and educate community members about brain injury through public speaking.
- Speakers Bureau
- Development
Development secures diverse funding sources for the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance to help ensure that support services are available for Minnesotans affected by brain injury. Development organizes the annual Walk for Thought, the Alliance's primary fundraising event.
Development also manages the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance's Membership program. Membership in the Alliance helps strengthen the voice of those affected by brain injury and also helps drive policy change by demonstrating that the majority of Minnesotans do care about improving the quality of life for the Minnesotans affected by brain injury. There are several Membership levels allowing those on fixed incomes to demonstrate their support of persons with brain injury. For more information, call 612-378-2742 or 800-669-6442.
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