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The Iowa Brain Injury Resource Network The Iowa Brain Injury Resource Network (IBIRN) is an information and support system created to begin meeting the needs of Iowa families experiencing brain injury and the providers that assist them.  The IBIRN offers multiple supports to individuals and families experiencing brain injury.  These include local support groups, a peer-to-peer mentor program called the Iowa Family Support Network, and a professional support program called Neuro-Resource Facilitation. Additionally, IBIRN supports Iowa’s service providers and community organizations.  They can receive training and technical assistance on supporting individuals and families experiencing brain injury.  Providers can request case specific assistance, a variety of brain injury educational forums and trainings, and public awareness presentations. Support Groups On a local level, members meet together monthly to share experiences and information on an informal basis. Most groups function as support-giving entities to individuals with brain injury and to their families.  We have support groups in the following communities Ankeny, Clinton, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Davenport, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, and the Lakes area. Many of these area support groups have more than one support group; for instance, one for survivors, one for families, and one for recreational activities.  Benefits of participating in a local support group meeting include presentations by specialty speakers, referrals to local resources, and emotional support from others in similar circumstances. Iowa Family Support Network The Iowa Family Support Network (IFSN) is a unique program that offers support and guidance to families and individuals experiencing brain injury.  Trained volunteers, who have experienced the brain injury of a family member, provide open and honest peer support to families. The IFSN was created by families and professionals and provides current information and support to families in need.  The IFSN volunteers follow a strict code of ethics and confidentiality guidelines, and are supported by the professional support system of the IBIRN when providing the needed support and information to the families.  The volunteers are available within 48 hours to provide support and information when and where families need it. The Iowa Family Support Network Manual and the Iowa Family Support Network Instruction Sheet are available from this website, as web pages and as Word 97 documents (better for printing): Web pages: Iowa Family Support Network Manual Iowa Family Support Network Instruction Sheet   Word 97 documents for downloading and printing: Iowa Family Support Network Manual Iowa Family Support Network Instruction Sheet Neuro-Resource Facilitation Neuro-Resource Facilitation is a service provided to individuals experiencing brain injury and their families.  The program was created through a contract with the Iowa Department of Public Health in accordance with an Iowa law which became effective July 1, 2006.  The program began supporting families in December of 2006. This program offers individuals and families support in coping with the issues of living with brain injury and transition back to work and the community.  Support is provided in a variety of forms, including: Providing brain injury specific information and resources; Enhancing natural supports and providing linkage to appropriate supports, services, and community resources; Providing training to service providers to increase Iowa’s system capacity to provide appropriate services; Accessing, securing and maximizing funding, both private and public. One of the primary resources distributed by the Neuro-Resource Facilitators is the Iowa Brain Injury Resource Network Tote Bag (To View or download: Choose either Word or Html format), which contains important brain injury information and information on various services and supports for individuals and families experiencing brain injury. Another resource commonly distributed by our staff is a packet called the Virtual Concussion Packet, choose either Word or Html to view. To learn more about any of these supports or to find out how you can participate, please contact us at 1-800-444-6443 or via e-mail at info@biaia.org home | advocacy | calendar | contact | education | how we can help | how you can help | membership | prevention | what is brain injury  what's new | multicultural resources | E-Newsletter IMPORTANT: The contents of this website, informational packets or handouts, such as text, graphics, or images are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment or for legal advise or representation. Please seek out a medical or legal professional for those types of services.