H o m e

 

I n d e x

M i s s i o n
S t a t i s t i c s
P r o g r a m s
C o n t a c t   I n f o
M e m b e r s h i p

OUR MISSION

PREVENTION, SUPPORT, ADVOCACY, EDUCATION

The Brain Injury Association of Hawaii (BIA-HI) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons with brain injury and the families of such persons in Hawaii and other areas of the Pacific Basin. In this conjuction brain injury is defined as an acquired, non-degenerative brain injury whose causes include but are not limited to trauma, disease, surgery, hypoxia and anoxia. The goals of BIA-HI include promoting the rights of individuals experiencing disability caused by brain injury, to increase public awareness of brain injury, to provide education, information, resources and support for individuals who have sustained a brain injury and their families, to advocate on behalf of individuals who have sustained a brain injury and to promote prevention of brain injuries in our community.

STATISTICS

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

• Every 21 seconds, one person in the U.S. sustains a brain injury. You may have been injured yourself, or may know someone who has. Brain injuries most often result from motor vehicle crashes, violence or falls. Some injuries are severe, causing death or coma, while others are milder with symptoms that are harder to recognize.
• The majority of people who suffer from mild or moderate brain injuries can recover fully, but the effects, while they last, can be confusing, frightening and highly disruptive.
• An estimated 3.17 million Americans—more than 1% of the U.S. population—currently live with disabilities resulting from brain injury.¹
• It is estimated that one million people are treated for TBI and released from hospital emergency rooms every year.¹
• Each year, 80,000 Americans experience the onset of long-term disability following TBI.¹
• More than 50,000 people die every year as a result of TBI.¹
• Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of brain injury. They account for 50% of all TBIs.¹
• Falls are the second leading cause, and the leading cause of brain injury in the elderly.
• The risk of TBI is highest among adolescents, young adults and those older than 75.¹
• After one brain injury, the risk for a second injury is three times greater; after the second injury, the risk for a third injury is eight times greater. ¹

Reference 1: Centers for Disease Control, Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: A Report to Congress.

PROGRAMS

WE ARE HERE

Help begins with support from people who understand. The Brain Injury Association of Hawaii is there to support survivors of brain injury and their family and friends. BIA-HI has support groups in various locations across the state which meet to allow survivors and their loved ones an opportunity to share in the coping process. BIA-HI also has regular educational meetings and volunteers who can answer questions and provide information regarding resources available in Hawaii.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Since 1987, when survivors and family members of survivors of brain injury formed the Hawaii Head Injury Association - later becoming the Brain Injury Association of Hawaii – we have been dedicated to improving the quality of life for survivors of brain injury and their families.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

The Brain Injury Association of Hawaii provides direct services to survivors, families and professionals. Some services and programs are:

Support groups: provide education, recreation and support for persons with brain injury and family members throughout Hawaii

Community Education and Prevention Programs: raise awareness of brain injury problems and issues via presentations, exhibits and educational publications.

Nurse Advocate: provides support, education and advocacy for individuals who have sustained a brain injury and their family members in the acute care setting.

Conferences: provide educational and networking opportunities for survivors, family members and professionals.

Resource Library: reference materials for all those interested in brain injury.

Quarterly Newsletter: distributed to survivors, family members, hospitals, support groups and interested parties.

Public Policy Development: support state and federal programs that benefit brain injury survivors and advocacy with legislators to increase benefits for persons with a traumatic brain injury.

Volunteer Programs: provides opportunities for survivors to participate in the following areas:  Office support, telephone response, advocacy, community education, speaker’s bureau and fund raising.

Website: offers current information and resources twenty-four hours a day.

Information and Resources: provides information, support and resources (call about contact info)

Speaker’s Bureau: provides speakers qualified to speak on a number of brain injury related topics.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The BIA-Hawaii office info:

Executive Director: Mary Wilson
420 Kuwili Street, Suite 103
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
Phone: 808-791-6942
Email: Click Here

The BIA-HI board of directors is as follows:

President - Ian Mattoch, esq
Vice President - Angie Enoka
Secretary - Cortney Chambers
Treasurer - Tony Hunstiger

Directors-at-large:

Lyna Burian
Joanne Inouye
KJ Chordas

MEMBERSHIP AND DONATION INFORMATION

The Brain Injury Association of Hawaii is a 501C3 non-profit organization. Your tax-deductible individual or corporate donation allows us to continue carrying out this very important work. Please join us in making a difference in the lives of people who have sustained a brain injury!

Printable Membership Form

Printable Donation Form