SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 –sENATE BILL 420 & BRAIN INJURY RESOURCE NAVIGATION!
Audio recording here
Dave Krake - Brain injury advocate coordinator - The Center on Brain Injury Research and Training @ the U of O within the Department of Psychology
(https://cbirt.org/) Contact info: Dave Kracke dkracke@cbirt.org 503-887-7297 - or - Doug Gomez dgomez4@uoregon.edu
Also an attorney and coordinated on writing Max’s Law - return to play 2002
Presentation is here
What brain injury is: Traumatic or Acquired - Neither traumatic or Acquired in the bill 420 - TBI is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to t he head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.
Effects may be temporary or permanent / range in severity / it is a brain injury / multiple TBIs have cumulative effects
Acquired brain injury: An insult that occurs after birth and causes damage to brain tissue.
Causes may include: trauma, stroke, infection, tumor, hypoxia, exposure to toxins
Leading causes of TBI: 52% Falls (65 yr or older) / 20% traffic - motor vehicle crashes / 18% unknown / 7% assaults (violence) / 3% struck by or against (sports)
No 2 brain injuries are alike
Brain injury Signs & Symptoms: not everyone will experience all, overlap with other conditions
Cognitive: Difficulty with… speech - language, organization, attention, learning, memory, hearing
Physical: slowed movement, coordination, headaches, balance, fatigue, vision, pain
Emotional: depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, blunted emotions
Behavioral: aggression, impulsivity, anger management, social skills challenges
Peer support - connecting with others is very important
Brain injury and Older Adults:
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults
More than 1 out of 4 Americans age 65+ falls each year
The majority (60%) of falls happen in the home / 30% in a public setting / 10% in a health care center
Fall Prevention
Pay attention to where you are
Stay in shape
Focus on balance, core strength, flexibility, vision
Use assistive devices when necessary
Consult with medical professionals
Ask for help when you need help
Brain injury can happen to anyone and it can change your life in an instant
Common Accommodations:
Simplify / Extra time / Reduce distractions / Check in / Repeat / Visual cues
Review / Prioritize / Routines / Plan / Support / Ask for help
Assume people are doing their best and determine what supports will allow them to be more successful
Senate Bill 420: Brain Injury Resource Navigation
The average person with brain injury in OR needs 12 services and supports / 48% do not get the support they need because they are not aware of services
Non-white and rural communities needs were not met on a higher percentage
Navigators help connect brain injury survivor needed resources
One on one navigator assistance
Headquartered in Department of Human Services to provide specified services to individuals with brain injuries and to convene a Brain Injury Advisory Committee. Requires department to report to Legislative Assembly during odd - numbered year regular sessions on service provided and number of individuals served.
Chief Sponsors: Senator Patterson, Representative Neron, Senator Taylor, and Senator Manning Jr
Regular Sponsors: Senators Anderson, Brock Smith, Findley, Frederick, Gelser Blouin, Hayden, Knopp, Lieber, Sollman and Representatives Helm, Hudson
Not just information and referrals, person centered, geographically relevant, real people making real connections with brain injury survivors
SB 420 starts July 1, 2024
SB 420 Requirements: Oregon Department of Human Services will provide the following services to brain injury survivors:
Service Coordination
Advocacy (case management)
Resource Navigation
Options Counseling
All services shall be delivered in a person-centered manner and in collaboration with the individual
Brain Injury Advisory Counsel to guide DHS to provide input as to what is needed etc. Committee will be will be 12 people - 4 of that have personally experienced brain injury and others will be people with experience serving with brain injury survivors
See learncbirt.org for free trainings, webinars, and workshops
Robert - Neighbor Works Umpqua: How will this work in tandem with other services in the area for example VA — breaking down silos - making it clear that DHS works with all agencies including private entities
Connie: September 26th Mental Health Summit for VA Roseburg in Eugene
Brain Injury Screenings at the Multnomah County Veterans Stand Down
They need to hear from our community about events and needs to be kept current
Is there going to be a call center? Getting the program started and refine it and they are looking 4 - 8 years down the road — Navigators will be physically in Portland primarily in the beginning — will be evolving
Introductions of new members
Liz Davenport Coos Health and Wellness and our Libraries- helps with resources
Wayne Ellsworth - Resident Service Manager -Neighbor Works Umpqua - better develop Resident Service program to be able to offer a more collaborative approach to residential service and partnerships
Amy Smith - Southwestern Opportunity program STEP Career Coach
Kelcy Taylor - Ko-Kwel Wellness Center - Care Coordinator - resource navigation (housing, substance abuse treatment etc.)
Janell Howard - City Manager Brookings
Community partner updates
ECC Teen Center - Brooklyn Perry- open again and having E-Sports teams (3) & DND on Mondays and digital art projects
ODHS -Starla Paris - D7 Program Analyst/Community Partnership Coordinator - Warming Curry coasts, hats, gloves & Community Diaper Drive
Connie Hunter - Veterans can have activated emotions around 9/11 so reach out and check in — ask directly “Are you ok?” September26 VA Roseburg Mental Health day
Virtual attendance available
Coquille Tribal Community Fund Grant Walkthrough Thursday October 5th (10-noon) Mill Casino RSVP required - contact juliawillis@coquilletribe.org or 541-750-0904 x1254
Joshua Sowers - Adapt, HIV Alliance, Bay Area First Step, Coos Health and Wellness, Youth Era - Go out to under served communities in our area and provide their services
Lakeside - Last Friday of the month
Charleston - Last Thursday of the month
Myrtle Point, Powers, Coquille - Last Wednesday of the month
Bandon - Last Tuesday of the month
Coos Health and Wellness Coos County - Carol Long - 2023-2024 Film series: 10am showing focusing on little kiddos and 2pm showing focusing on tweens & teens
These will include: Resource tables, instructions, and lessons for families to discuss on their own
Next one is on October 7th
Neighbor Works Umpqua- Robert Whitsell - Home Repair Manager- Ready to release funds for Coos Bay CBDG -
27 - 30 homes to be repaired in Coos county and within Reedsport city limits
Send suggestions for future topics to Jen Shafer director@unitedwayswo.org