Census data suggests more than 1 million Virginians have sustained a brain injury at some point in their life, and nearly 300,000 Virginians are disabled as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke.

The brain can be hurt in many different ways, such as falls, playing sports, car accidents, stroke, or even because of domestic violence. Brain injuries can have debilitating cognitive and physical effects, no matter how the injury occurred, and sometimes even serious brain injuries are downplayed or go undiagnosed and untreated.

The Brain Injury Association of Virginia, or BIAV, is the only statewide non-profit organization in Virginia dedicated exclusively to serving individuals with brain injury, their families, and caregivers. Our mission is to advance education, awareness, support, treatment, and research to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury.

We were founded in 1983 by parents trying to figure out how to help a loved one through brain injury. Today, BIAV is still focused on that goal, and we provide programs and support services for what comes next. Our staff is committed to providing help, hope and healing to those impacted by brain injury.

We do this through support groups, multiple education and training events, and a Helpline that offers customized assistance. We reach out to newly injured Virginians and work with hospitals, human service programs, and state agencies to better meet the needs of those with brain injury. We lead advocacy efforts to expand the system of care and help persons with brain injury and family caregivers. We hold Camp Bruce McCoy, a week-long recreation and respite program for adults and caregivers. And our website has more information about all these events as well as an online resource directory to find specialists, and an extensive library of articles, quick guides, and webinars.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. We take this opportunity to increase understanding of brain injury, reduce the stigma associated with brain injury, showcase the diversity of injury, and improve care and support. Our More Than My Brain Injury campaign with the Brain Injury Association of America gives individuals a chance to tell their own personal stories of success.

We also offer a wide variety of resources and educational events for professionals. We look forward to offering support to social work professionals in Virginia. Learn more about us and what we do at www.BIAV.net.