A state affi liate of the Brain Injury Association of America HEADLINES IN THIS ISSUE: The Minneapolis Polytrama Unit By Suzanne Miller, M.A. injury. When Perspective from his injuries have Executive Director Tim Wicks, a platoon sergeant healed more, Ardis Sandstrom from the North Dakota Army he will begin Page 3 National Guard, was unaware strengthening that he was being observed as his legs to walk News Briefs he performed his duties during again. Page 4 a reconnaissance mission in “If you lay Afghanistan. When he moved around too Walk for Thought Wrapup close enough to a concealed, much, things Page 7 improvised explosive device, his get old,” Wicks observer detonated it. The force says. “I believe Education Corner of the explosion caused injuries to keeping busy is Page 9 his brain, pelvis, spine, and legs, important to my In response to this need, in leaving him unable to walk. recovery.” June 2005 four VA hospitals Brain Injury Perspective After a series of surgeries were selected as sites for Page 10 at Walter Reed Army Medical Different War, Different Injuries specialized polytrauma centers: Center in Washington, D.C., he Wicks’ story has much in the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Legislative Corner was transferred to the Minneapolis common with the stories of other Medical Center (MVAMC), Page 13 Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s patients in this polytrauma unit. and centers in Palo Alto, Calif., Polytrauma Unit. Now, each day, Most have a traumatic brain Tampa, Fla., and Richmond, Va. Donor Spotlight he has physical, occupational, injury (TBI) coupled with other As of August 2006, the centers had Page 15 and recreational therapy. He also severe injuries. Like Wicks, they treated over 240 patients injured in has speech therapy, where he need specialized, highly skilled, combat or support roles. Of those, works on improving his problem- coordinated medical care and a more than 50 were treated at the solving skills and memory that rehabilitation program that works Minneapolis polytrauma center. UPCOMING EVENTS: were affected by his mild brain with all of their injuries. Military continues on page 12 Wednesday Workshops January 24 Enhancing the Quality of Life, One February 28 March 28 Person at a Time By Nissa French been awarded either a Community manager for them, which may Brain Injury Basics I Alternatives for Disabled Individuals be at the Association,” explains It’s a bird, it’s a plane…no, (CADI) or a Traumatic Brain Injury Jackie Lothert, case manager at January 16 it’s a case manager! Much like (TBI) Waiver from Hennepin or the Brain Injury Association of a “Super Hero” that comic book Ramsey county. The CADI Waiver Minnesota. “We then work with Brain Injury Basics II characters count on to guide them provides funding for home and each individual to select services February 20 out of unfavorable situations, community-based services for that support their vision of a better case managers at the Brain Injury people who would otherwise require quality of life.” Check page 11 for more Association of Minnesota take a level of care provided in a nursing Working closely with each Case details on these events on many different roles to assist facility while the TBI Waiver Management participant, case people with brain injury in their provides funding for similar services managers use the Waiver funds to efforts to return to a better quality for people who have an acquired or coordinate a tailored service plan, of life after brain injury. traumatic brain injury. identify and connect with service Each day, the Case Management “Once someone is awarded a providers, and regularly review Brain Injury staff provide information and Waiver, the county appoints a case Case Management continues on page 6 Association of support that guides individuals Minnesota helpline: with brain injury in their efforts 612-378-2742 to live safely and independently 1-800-669-6442 in their chosen neighborhood. In the morning a case manager may www.braininjurymn.org help someone move into a new apartment, next coach someone 34 13th Ave NE, Suite B001 Minneapolis, MN 55413 else on how to apply for a job, then complete an independent Time Dated Material skills assessment for a different Change Service Requested RECYCLE NOW! individual and by the end of the Do you have a friend, loved day they’ve met with a teenager one or colleague who could and his caregiver to review new benefi t from this newsletter? options for his service support If so, pass it on plan. And that’s just today — or call the Brain tomorrow promises a completely Injury Association different story. of Minnesota and have one mailed Waiver Support Services to them. Case Management specifi cally supports individuals who have a brain injury diagnosis and have HEADLINES WINTER 2006 page 2 34 13th Ave NE, Suite B001 Guest Commentary: Minneapolis, MN 55413 612-378-2742 • 800-669-6442 Fax: 612-378-2789 Taking it a Step Further www.braininjurymn.org E-mail: [email protected] taking that mission a step further so that it encompasses the diverse support already in place and allows Mission for future growth. The mission of the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota is to enhance Today, the mission of the Brain the quality of life and bring the promise of a better tomorrow for all Injury Association of Minnesota people affected by brain injury. is to enhance the quality of life and bring the promise of a better Board of Directors tomorrow for all people affected Sue Lepore, Board Chair Craig Martinson by brain injury. While other Kathy Anderson Russ Philstrom, Past Chair organizations may carry out pieces Jay Bowden Ardis Sandstrom In 2005, the Brain Injury of this mission, our Association Jim Collins Dave Scott Association of Minnesota Board of is the only statewide nonprofi t Emily Fuerste Kate Shannon Jeff Gagnon Mike Strand Directors embarked on an exciting with support services and staff Paul Godlewski Quincy Stroeing project — to develop a three-year solely dedicated to supporting all Sandy Kasprzak Terri Traudt strategic plan and take a fresh look Minnesotans affected by brain Andrew Kiragu Pat Winick at the mission statement. With the injury. transition of executive leadership, Robin Landy Mohsin Zafar Our mission is integrated into Gwyn Leder it was a good time to refl ect on all aspects of our work because how we make a difference. we understand that when brain The development of the injury and its residual effects Brain Injury Association of Minnesota Staff new strategic plan and mission hit, it’s often diffi cult for people Melissa Albert, Development Offi cer statement was facilitated by the to learn to live life successfully Andi Billig, Public Awareness Assistant Board, with staff, brain injury after brain injury. Brain injury Raye Black, Multicultural Outreach Coordinator professionals and client families has lasting effects and we have Michelle Brandes, Case Manager Supervisor throughout the state offering multiple programs to empower Laura Bye, Case Manager feedback to help guide the individuals to build their bridge to Kathryn Clark, Resource Facilitator outcome. a better quality of life. And people Brad Donaldson, Associate Director of Operations Today the Association is notice the difference our support Deborah Erickson, Administrative Assistant operating with a new strategic plan, makes. During development of Kimberly Ferencik, Volunteer Coordinator which will help us align all parts the strategic plan, one person Nissa French, Public Awareness Director of our organizational activities remarked, “The Association gets it. Phil Gonzales, Administrative Assistant into comprehensive and actionable They know what to do.” Anne Harnack, Associate Director of Services strategies — strategies that ensure Mark Hahn, Senior Administrative Assistant the path we are on will truly meet Moving Forward Kim Kang, Public Policy Aide the needs of all Minnesotans The new mission reiterates Emma Kelty, Resource Facilitator affected by brain injury. We are the Association’s long-standing Karen Karki, Case Manager also operating with a new mission commitment to create a true bridge Kristina Krause, Resource Facilitator statement. of help, hope and a voice for all Jackie Lothert, Case Manager Minnesotans affected by brain Jeff Nachbar, Public Policy Director A Renewed Mission injury. As we near the end of 2006 Tracey Nukala, Resource Facilitator Mission statements are with the fi rst year of the strategic Christina Saby, Resource Facilitation Supervisor often taken for granted, or plan under our belts, I’m happy Ardis Sandstrom, Executive Director even overlooked, yet the to report that more than 7,500 Sara Schlegelmilch, Case Manager/Relocation Service Coordinator mission statement is one of individuals have received supports Jennifer Taylor, Case Manager the most important aspects of to assist them in returning to home, Jill Tilbury, Case Manager an organization. Our mission school and work. Sisavan Vang, Resource Facilitator statement describes our purpose I am proud to be a part of Janis Carey Wack, Education Manager and the value we provide. From carrying out the new strategic plan Janice Webster, Volunteer Program Associate the beginning in 1984, the and mission for the Brain Injury Editorial Policy Association has strived to create Association of Minnesota; I hope a better future for all persons Headlines is published quarterly by the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota. you will join me. Call the offi ce The editor reserves the right to edit submitted materials for style and space. affected by brain injury. Until today at 800-669-6442 or 2006, the mission was “to create a The Brain Injury Association of Minnesota does not endorse, support, or 612-378-2742 to fi nd out how recommend any specifi c method, facility, treatment, program, or support group better future through brain injury you can receive support or get for persons with brain injury and their families.