The Brain Injury Association offers supports services to individuals and their families in the greater Kansas City area and throughout the state of Kansas who are recovering from traumatic brain injury. Our full-time Resource Coordinator networks with other social service agencies, rehabilitation programs and hospitals to provide options to many challenges these families face, including employment, medical care and counseling.

The Association also staffs a toll-free “helpline” to provide referrals and emotional support to survivors of brain injury throughout the state of Kansas.

There are many support groups and contact people throughout the state that provide support and resource information to survivors.

For more information, call 816-842-8607 or 1-800-783-1356.

Mission

To improve the quality of life for people with brain injuries and their families, and to create a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education and advocacy.

Programs

• Resource Coordination Program – offers support by tapping into local and state resources and provides emotional support to help cope with the short and long-term challenges.
• Support Groups – there are 18 support groups across the state of Kansas; 6 of them are in the Kansas City area.
• A free “helpline” (800-783-1356) provides information, referral and a supportive ear to survivors and family members.
• Prevention Program – provides educational programming in the schools and community on brain injury prevention. The School-Site Injury Prevention Program offers helmet fittings and prevention strategies to students. The Prevention Program also offers professionals and community education geared toward adult groups.
• Advocacy – the Association organizes an event to educate legislators in Topeka, Kansas each year.

Background

A family member of a traumatic brain injury survivor founded the Kansas BIA in 1982. A volunteer force of 23 survivors, family members and professionals began establishing a network, survivor assistance programs and support groups. Eventually, the “helpline” and a Survivor’s Council were established, as well as increased emphasis on legislative advocacy.

A Board of Directors governs the Association. Services are provided for persons who have survived a traumatic brain injury, their families and professionals who are interested in learning more about brain injury and prevention. Our service area is the entire state of Kansas and the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The Association is a member of the Brain Injury Association of America.