BIANJ hosts NJ State PABI Plan Organizational Meeting and Town Hall

On May 6, the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ), Kessler Foundation, and the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation assembled over 100 leaders in the field of brain injury from across the Garden State at the Kessler Foundation Conference Center in West Orange, NJ.  The purpose of the meeting was to begin planning for the implementation of the $2.9 billion, seven-year National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan (PABI Plan) in New Jersey. 

"BIANJ has been an incredible partner and their reputation is second to none," states Patrick Donahue, SJBF's Founder and CEO.  "I can't thank them enough."

The PABI Plan's mission is to develop a seamless, standardized, evidence-based system of care for the millions of American youth and their families affected by the leading cause of death and disability from birth to 25 years of age, acquired brain injury.  To learn more about the PABI Plan, click here.

PLEDGE2WIN - Enter to win up to $500 in gas cards!

This May, in recognition of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we've launched the Share the Road Pledge Campaign to encourage drivers to do their part to save motorcyclists' lives and help make our roads safer for everyone.  Take the Share the Road Pledge and join other drivers who are committed to being aware and respectful of the rights of all who share the roads, particularly those of motorcyclists.  Everyone who takes the Pledge will be entered to win up to $500 in gas cards!   To learn more and take the Pledge online, click here! 

Don't forget to download our Share the Road Pledge Campaign toolkit and arm yourself with the tools you need to share your connection to our campaign, increase awareness among motorists of motorcyclists concerns, and help distribute out materials!

NJ high school students to display teen safe driving campaigns at iPlay America, June 7

Students from 55 high schools throughout the state are putting their teen safe driving campaigns on display at our 3rd Annual 'U Got Brains Champion Schools Program' Showcase & Awards Luncheon on June 7, 2013, at iPlay America.  All participating schools walk away with prizes.  The top two campaigns, selected by a panel of expert judges, will be awarded the grand prize - a driving simulator donated by New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company (NJM). 

All school projects are prominently displayed here!

Our 2013 Annual Gala

BIANJ raised over $98,000 to provide support for people with brain injuries and their families in New Jersey.

More than 150 guests attended the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey's Annual Gala at the Palace at Somerset Park on Tuesday, March 12 to celebrate the leadership of our honorees and to recognize more than 30 years of services by the Alliance.

The Gala - which raised funds to provide help, hope, and a voice to individuals and families in NJ living with brain injury - kicked off with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and a silent auction, and concluded with an awards presentation.  Read more here.

Realignment of services for children and adults living with brain injuries from Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to Department of Children and Families (DCF)

January 2013 has brought significant changes in the service delivery system for children and adults living with brain injuries who receive services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Children and youth (under the age of 21) previously receiving services from DDD will now be served by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Adults (age 21 and older) will continue to receive their services from DDD. However, DDD has changed the eligibility requirements to receive services. Read more here. 

BIANJ honors Assemblyman Tom Giblin at Brain Injury Awareness Day at the State House

On March 21, the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey hosted Brain Injury Awareness Day at the State House in Trenton, New Jersey.  As in year's past, we assembled members of the NJ Legislature to discuss our state's brain injury resources.  In addition, we honored Assemblyman Tom Giblin for his sponsorship of a resolution that encouraged Congress and the President to enact the National Pediatric Acquired Brain Injury Plan of 2011. Read more here.

BIANJ hosts Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified training courses for NJ RiderCoaches

Last month, the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ), along with the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic and Safety (NJDHTS), hosted two free Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)- training courses for New Jersey RiderCoaches.  Dr. Ray Ochs, Vice President of Training Systems at MSF, conducted the trainings, which were designed to provide Rider Coaches with the latest advances in motorcycle safety training curriculum. More than 100 Rider Coaches were in attendance to offer their perspective on what is happening with motorcycle safety in NJ and learn how to improve their safety training classes.

“It was exciting to see so many people engaged in motorcycle safety and willing to work with us in our efforts to make New Jersey’s roads a safer place for everyone,” said Wendy Berk, Public Education Coordinator at BIANJ.

Appreciation is extended to Dr. Ray Ochs for his dedication to ensuring a successful training.

BIANJ launches "True Stories of a Concussion" video series for student athletes, parents, and coaches

To help address and prevent sports concussions in young people, we've created a video series with funding from Partners for Health Foundation entitled True Stories of a Concussion. The series includes personal testimonies from New Jersey student athletes and is intended to help you understand a concussion and the potential consequences of this injury; recognize concussion signs and symptoms and how to respond; and learn about the steps for returning to activity (play and school) after a concussion.  Watch these inspiring youth athletes explain the effects of their concussion in sports and out of sports, as well as the impact this injury has on their lives by clicking here.

SAVE THE DATES

BIANJ Free Trainings:

Brain Injury Basics
May 22: Somerset, NJ

See a complete schedule »

BIANJ Events:

3rd Annual Champion Schools Program Showcase & Awards Luncheon
June 7: Freehold, NJ

27th Annual Camp TREK
June 16-21: Williamstown, NJ

BIANJ Webinars:

Concussion in the Classroom
June 20:  1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Watch Our Short Films!

2012 Annual Report

Download your copy today!

Check out the stories and events that made this year so memorable by clicking the image below!

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