March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. We often think of brain injury in Maine as the result of an accident, but brain injuries can also happen because of a stroke or other illness or health issue. Nationally, falls are the leading cause of brain injury, especially among people younger than four and older than 75. There are more than 750 people in Maine who are living in care communities because of brain injuries. The causes range from car and motorcycle accidents to stroke and sports injuries.
The Brain Injury Association of America – Maine Chapter is hosting a FREE resource fair on March 24, 2016, from 1-4 p.m. at Le Club Calumet, 334 West River Road in Augusta. This is a great opportunity to learn more about brain injury in Maine and what help is available.
Doctors and therapists play an important role in brain injury recovery.
There are lots of ways people suffer brain injuries: head wounds from accidents, strokes and aneurysms, brain tumors, loss of oxygen (like choking or near-drownings), brain infections, concussions, seizures, toxic exposure and falls. These are called acquired brain injuries, because they happen after birth.
Brain Injury in Maine: Support
There are support groups in Maine for people with brain injury. The groups help educate both the public and the people with brain injuries and their families. Groups also advocate for the brain injury and help people living with brain injuries connect with each other. You can find a list of support group on the website of the Maine Chapter of the Brain Injury Association of America. Get more information at http://www.biame.org
The Disability Rights Center of Maine offers brain injury advocacy. You can reach them at Disability Rights Center of Maine, PO Box 2007, Augusta, ME 04338-2007. (207) 626-2774 Email: advocate@drc.org
The state offers some funding for brain injury support. Check the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services at the Department of Labor, 150 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0150 (207) 624-5950 Email executive director John Shattuck at: JohnG.Shattuck@state.me.us and check out the web site www.state.me.us/rehab/.