Advocacy
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BIA-MA works closely with the state legislature and government agencies to ensure that appropriate services are available to survivors and their families. BIA-MA provides regular updates to our members about current legislative issues.
BIA-MA is also actively involved in the creation of new legislation for improved services, and advocates for legislation related to the prevention of brain injury, including bills regarding seat belts, helmets, housing, transportation and other issues.
Gaps in Brain Injury Services Identified in Statewide Commission Report
Gaps in services for survivors of brain injury in Massachusetts were identified in a report released this week by a statewide Brain Injury Commission. Under the bipartisan leadership of Senator Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester) and Representative Kimberly Ferguson (R-Holden), the Commission has met monthly in Boston since January 2011 and held public meetings in Worcester and Pittsfield. Members of the commission include representatives from healthcare, state government, and the private sector.
The final report, which was written in collaboration with the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA), was presented on Monday to the Governor Patrick and JudyAnn Bigby, MD, Secretary of the Executive Office of Human Services,
“This the first time individuals from the public and private sectors have come together in Massachusetts to identify the needs of brain injury survivors,” says Arlene Korab, Executive Director of BIA-MA. “Gaps have been identified and recommendations made. Now, we need to take steps to implement change.”
Observed gaps in services include: case management services, day programs, social/recreation services, post-acute rehabilitation services, MassHealth PCA services, technical assistance, transportation, and other services needs.
Read the full Brain Injury Commission Report...
BIA-MA'S Legislative Successes
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Hutchinson v. Patrick Class Action Settlement (2008)
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Supported passage of Shaken Baby Syndrome Law
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Instrumental in passage of secondary Seat Belt Law
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Established HITS, the Head Injury Treatment Services Trust Fund, financed by surcharges on drunk driving and speeding
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Instrumental in the establishment of the Statewide Head Injury Program (SHIP), which funds community-based and other support services for persons with traumatic brain injury.
For more information about BIA-MA's Advocacy efforts, contact us at 508-475-0032 or advocacy@biama.org