Brain Injury Association of Iowa

10/30/2026

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Iowa Bicycle Coalition's October newsletter is online!🚲📰

Find cycling resources, updates, advocacy, upcoming events, and more! Read the October edition here: https://iowabicyclecoalition.org/october-newsletter-2026/

10/26/2026

📣 Call for Presenters: Annual Conference 2027

Do you have experience, insights, or strategies that can strengthen the brain injury community?

The 35th Annual Best Practices in Brain Injury Services Conference is now accepting presentation proposals! This is your opportunity to share knowledge, build skills, and inspire professionals and advocates across Iowa and beyond.

Your voice matters—help shape the future of brain injury services.

👉 Submit your proposal today: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=uDBI_57Lukit8lvPpzBh8kb_S8X6a-1GkmtNrTR_UCdUNFREQ0dZMzNSR1g2NzQ5UDk1TFpSVTU4Ry4u&route=shorturl

10/23/2026

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Emotional health challenges are among the most common and lasting consequences of brain injury.

Adults and children with brain injury face a higher risk of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorder. And these challenges don’t show up at one moment in time, so no single intervention can address them.

That’s why we’re launching A National Initiative to Advance Brain Health, Emotional Well-Being, and Living Well After Brain Injury.

This three-year collaboration brings together BIAA, the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators - NASHIA, and the North American Brain Injury Society (NABIS), made possible by funding from the Moody Endowment.

Our shared goal: prevent and address emotional health challenges for people living with brain injury and their caregivers.

Our approach covers four touchpoints:
• Prevention
• Identification
• Clinical response
• Connection to services

Together, we’re building a scalable, integrated approach to emotional health after brain injury, because recovery is about more than the injury itself.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3WCrm59

10/15/2026

🧠 Make a difference in Iowa's brain injury community!

The Iowa Brain Injury Advisory Committee is seeking passionate individuals to help shape the future of brain injury services, supports, education, and prevention across our state. Individuals with lived experience of brain injury, family members and caregivers, professionals, and others connected to the brain injury community are encouraged to apply.

As a committee member, you'll have the opportunity to provide valuable input on statewide initiatives, collaborate with stakeholders, and help advance priorities outlined in Iowa's State Plan on Brain Injuries. The committee meets quarterly via Zoom, with additional opportunities to participate in workgroups. 

Apply today and help ensure the voices of Iowa's brain injury community are heard!

🔗 Application: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=TXssjVoIF0aFNjinbRmw2gIFNJNa_ABCpjY4qlgslFdUMElHSDRIQjVBSjJPSFBHSFkyUUdQNTZZRC4u&route=shorturl

10/13/2026

What a wonderful week of learning, community connections, and fun! 🧠💙

Last week, the Brain Injury Association of Iowa (BIAIA) had the pleasure of attending two fantastic events that brought together professionals, advocates, families, and community members!

🧠 October 6 – Preventing Childhood Injury Conference

We were grateful for the opportunity to attend the Preventing Childhood Injury Conference held at UnityPoint Health! This event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with professionals and organizations dedicated to keeping children safe, preventing injuries, and promoting healthier communities.

At BIAIA, we recognize the importance of injury prevention, especially when it comes to protecting developing brains. Events like this help strengthen partnerships, expand awareness, and reinforce our shared commitment to preventing brain injuries across Iowa.

🎃 Empower House's Spooktacular 5K

Over the weekend, we had a fantastic time attending Empower House's Spooktacular 5K! With beautiful weather, a great turnout, and plenty of community spirit, it was a wonderful opportunity to come together in support of an organization making a difference.

We loved seeing so many individuals and families getting involved, staying active, and supporting a great cause!

💙 Thank you to UnityPoint Health and Empower House, and everyone involved in making these events possible! We are grateful for opportunities to connect with our communities, build meaningful relationships, and continue spreading awareness about brain injury prevention, education, and support.

10/12/2026

📢 Have a voice in the future of Iowa’s aging services.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is seeking input from older Iowans, caregivers, advocates, service providers, volunteers, and representatives of rural and underserved communities through the Invitation to participate in Iowa’s Aging System House File 2707 Input Survey.

The survey will help identify needs, improve access to services, and inform potential changes to Iowa’s aging system. 

🗓️ Survey open: October 6 through October 16 at 8:00 a.m.⏱️ Takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. 

Your feedback can help shape services and supports for older Iowans across the state. Please consider participating and sharing with your networks. 

10/11/2026

World Mental Health Day | October 10

Mental health is brain health, and both deserve care, understanding, and support.

For individuals living with a brain injury, mental health challenges can be part of the recovery journey. Changes in mood, anxiety, depression, frustration, and feelings of isolation can affect survivors and their families in ways that are not always visible to others.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s remind one another that healing is not just physical, asking for help is a sign of strength, and no one should have to navigate their journey alone.

At the Brain Injury Association of Iowa (BIAIA), we believe every person impacted by brain injury deserves to feel heard, supported, and connected. Whether you are a survivor, caregiver, family member, or friend, your mental health matters. 💚

Check in on someone you care about.
Make space for honest conversations.
Practice compassion for yourself and others.
Reach out for support when you need it.

Together, we can reduce stigma, build understanding, and create communities where everyone feels supported.

📞 Need support? BIAIA offers resources and support groups for individuals and families affected by brain injury. Call 855-444-6443 to learn more about statewide and virtual support group opportunities.

10/08/2026

📣 Professionals working in brain injury services:

Your input is needed!

A dissertation study is examining community integration for individuals participating in HCBS Brain Injury Waivers. If you work in brain injury waiver services, advocacy, or related supports, please consider completing this survey and sharing it with others who qualify.

🔗 https://redcap.kumc.edu/surveys/?s=HXYK8AE4D4YMXC43