THE Challenge Vol. 12 Iss. 2 Research

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VIRGINIA
More than 100 donors, board members, and
supporters joined the Brain Injury Association
of Virginia (BIAV) to celebrate its history and
achievements at BIAV’s 35th anniversary benefit in
March. Governor Ralph Northam presented opening
remarks. A pediatric neurologist, Governor Northam
has been a longtime friend to BIAV, and it was an
honor to have him at the event. BIAV presented
service awards to Dr. Greg O'Shanick, Senator
John Edwards, and Dr. John Povlishock.
BIAV Executive Director
Anne McDonnell
introduces Governor
Ralph Northam at BIAV’s
35th anniversary benefit.
BIARI staff and volunteers visit the Rhode Island State House.
brain research at the local and federal levels. Staff
members also participated in informational fairs at
Brown University and the University of Rhode Island.
An estimated 1,000 individuals and families stopped
by BIARI’s tables to play brain games and learn about
concussion prevention.
BIARI has created a new social group for members,
volunteers, and staff. The first outing was an
afternoon of bowling, which was well attended and
proved to be fun and relaxing for all.
VERMONT
The Brain Injury Association of Vermont (BIAVT)
is working with the State of Vermont Department
of Aging and Independent Living to apply for a
federal TBI grant. The Concussion Task Force is
currently putting together a pilot project for a
regional Brain Injury Consulting Team to educate
schools about concussion and other brain injuries
in the classroom. The Youth Concussion Task Force
was created and is off to a good start, with plenty
of high school and college student participation.
BIAVT’s Concussion Recognition Clipboards are
being delivered to recreation departments around
the state. BIAVT held its Walk for Thought May 19
and a Caregivers’ Retreat in Stowe June 3.
As part of Brain Injury Awareness Month, BIAV
hosted a Brain Injury Awareness Poster Contest to
involve youth in brain injury awareness. Students
learned about brain functions, injuries, and
prevention techniques through a variety of resources
including websites, books, and videos. BIAV offered
themes for students to focus their posters: Safety on
Wheels (bike safety), Play It Safe (sport safety), Ride
Safe (car safety) and Watch Your Step (home safety).
We received 48 entries from students in grades K-8
from across Virginia, and had a hard time picking
the winners. To view the entries, visit www.biav.net/
events/sometimes-win-sometimes-learn.
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