Save the Date!
BIAPA Annual Conference
June 27-28, 2023
Lancaster, Marriott - Lancaster, PA

Letter from BIAPA President
Ann Marie McLaughlin

We hear you and we are here for you! BIAPA's mission includes maximizing "the quality of life for those with brain injury and their families." In the last year, we have enhanced our support to survivors across the Commonwealth by offering a monthly virtual Survivor Support Group. We have also turned our attention to the needs of caregivers. We completed a caregiver survey at our recent conference and we recently hosted a Focus Group during which caregivers discussed their needs and goals, while also offering suggestions about how BIAPA can help.

From the BIAPA Focus Group, and additional research into caregiver burden, we have concluded that caregivers need to feel hope, to be able to plan for the future, and to have their questions answered. As a first step in BIAPA's efforts to enhance support for caregivers, BIAPA will host our first Caregiver Support Group on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM via Zoom. This will be a monthly, virtual meeting for caregivers across Pennsylvania.

BIAPA Board Member, Tim Mueller and Program Coordinator, Megan Walsh-Farrell will facilitate the group, which will include coordinating presentations on specific topics of interest that the group may identify. We realize that caregivers may delay or neglect self-care due to the many demands they are managing. This group will be a time for caregivers to share their experiences, learn from others, and focus on coping. If you are a caregiver, please plan to be a part of this group! Over the coming months, you will be receiving reminders and the link to participate in BIAPA's Caregiver Support Group, a time for you!

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) Prep Course
SAVE THE DATE
January 11, 18, 25 and February 1, 2023

BIAPA is offering a virtual review course for individuals preparing to become Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS).

This virtual, 4-part zoom review course will take place on
January 11, 18, 25 and February 1, 2023 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.
There will be a live Q&A at the end of each zoom session.

BIAPA Course Fee: $250
ACBIS Application Fee: $185
Registration opens December 1, 2022

Acquiring the CBIS is essential for staff to demonstrate that they are well informed about providing brain injury rehabilitation services. This virtual, 4-part review course will cover the topics found in Essentials of Brain Injury Guide, Edition 5.0. It is highly recommended that you obtain the study materials and prepare prior to taking the CBIS Review Course and the CBIS Exam.

The discounted Application fee of $185 is only available if you sign up for this course through BIAPA. This fee is made payable to BIAA/ACBIS and is required to determine eligibility and be able to sit for the CBIS Exam.

Eligibility for and requirements for taking the CBIS Exam can be found at http://www.biausa.org/acbis/cbis.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Drew Nagele, Course Faculty at nagele@biapa.org, or
Sandra Powell, Administrative Coordinator, at admin@biapa.org

BIAPA Annual Conference
Tuesday, June 27 - Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square

Call for Presentations and Posters

The BIAPA Conference Planning Committee is pleased to announce that the annual conference will be held on Tuesday, June 27 - Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square in Lancaster, PA. Building on Progress in Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Research will be the theme of the 2023 Conference. The planning committee is seeking innovative, cutting-edge presentations for conference sessions and posters to share your exciting projects. 

Presentation Proposals must be submitted with all required information and received no later than 5:00 pm, Thursday, December 1, 2022.

The submission forms are available to download below.

2023 BIAPA Call for Presentations - Fillable PDF
Additional Presenter - Fillable PDF
2023 BIAPA Call for Presentations - Word File

Poster Proposals must be submitted with all required information and received no later than 12:00 Noon on Friday, January 13, 2023.

2023 BIAPA Call for Posters - PDF
2023 BIAPA Call for Posters - Fillable PDF
2023 BIAPA Call for Posters - Word File

Join us for the what promises to be a great conference!

For more information, please contact Sandra Powell at admin@biapa.org or 833-242-7248.

Holiday Candy Sales Benefit BIAPA

BIAPA is once again partnering with Pittsburgh's renowned Sarris Candies to offer friends of BIAPA the opportunity to enjoy Sarris' legendary candy for the holidays and to benefit BIAPA!

Order candy through the BIAPA website, and Sarris will ship directly to you or another address for free, with a $5 packaging fee, and donate 25% of all sales to BIAPA!

LEARN MORE

Opioids Initiative 

BIAPA, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, has implemented the Pennsylvania Opioids Initiative.  We are proud to share that we have been conducting trainings on the Intersection of Brain Injury and Opioids Misuse, and we have many upcoming training sessions scheduled!  

What is the Intersection of Brain Injury and Opioid Misuse?

Growing evidence suggests that individuals with brain injuries may be uniquely susceptible to opioid use disorder and because of the unique challenges associated with brain injury, the likelihood of success in addictions treatment is less likely.  Additionally, opioid use disorder increases the risk for brain injury as non-fatal drug overdoses cause brain injury due to lack of oxygen for a period of time.

Opioids Trainings and Educational Outreach

These critically important trainings provide guidance to professionals who work with individuals with substance abuse disorder and brain injury, and offer assistance to providers who want to develop their ability to identify, treat, and/or refer individuals with both brain injury and substance abuse disorder for specialized services.

Another component of the Opioids Initiative is an Awareness Campaign to shed light on this issue. We have developed several shareable Public Service Announcements, and informative videos are in development. 

For more information on the Opioids program or training, please contact Tara DiGuillio, Opioids Education and Outreach Coordinator at  diguillio@biapa.org. 

If you, or a loved one with brain injury, are struggling with opioid misuse, call our Brain Injury Resource Line to connect with services 800-444-6443.