Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City, Inc.

The Brain Injury Association of Kansas and Greater Kansas City, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by brain injuries, their families, and healthcare professionals in Kansas and the Greater Kansas City metro area.

Mission and Vision

The organization's mission is to provide ongoing brain injury advocacy, education, and resources. Its vision is to support individuals living with brain injuries to live their lives to the fullest.

History

The Association was founded in 1982 by Mary Pat Beals, the sister of a brain injury survivor. Initially known as the Kansas Head Injury Foundation, it was established to provide accurate and timely information to families affected by brain injuries. With an initial group of 23 volunteers and an annual budget of $3,000, it became one of the first state associations of the National Head Injury Foundation, which later evolved into the Brain Injury Association of America. The organization changed its name to reflect its expanded scope and current focus.

Services

BIAKS-GKC offers a range of services, including:

• Information and Referral: Providing details on available programs, services, and resources such as healthcare agencies, rehabilitation facilities, and social service providers.
• Support Groups: Organizing meetings for survivors and their families.
• Education and Awareness: Hosting educational events and promoting brain injury awareness.
• Advocacy: Advocating for legislative issues affecting the brain injury community.

Community Engagement

The organization engages the community through various events, such as conferences and fundraising activities, to promote understanding and support for those affected by brain injuries. It also supports the development of strategic plans to improve services for brain injury survivors, such as the Kansas Brain Injury Strategic Plan.

Impact

Over the past decades, advances in medical care have increased the number of individuals living with brain injuries, making the association's role more critical in supporting these individuals and their families. BIAKS-GKC celebrates milestones, such as its 40th anniversary, acknowledging the dedication and support it provides to the community.

[1] https://www.brainline.org/resource/brain-injury-association-kansas-and-greater-kansas-city [2] https://biaks.org/about-us/ [3] https://biaks.org [4] https://biaks.org/about-us/brain-injury-ks-mission-and-history/ [5] https://info.npconnect.org/list/member/brain-injury-association-of-kansas-greater-kansas-city-1593