Bill Text: VA HJR246 | 2014 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia House Joint Resolution 246 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Commending Brain Injury Services, Inc.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2014-02-13 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ246ER) [HJR246 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2014-HJR246-Enrolled.html

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 246 Commending Brain Injury Services, Inc.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 7, 2014 Agreed to by the Senate, February 13, 2014

WHEREAS, in 2014, Brain Injury Services, Inc., celebrates 25 years of service to the Commonwealth on behalf of survivors of brain injuries and their families; and

WHEREAS, Brain Injury Services, Inc., formerly known as Head Injury Services Partnership, a nonprofit organization, was established in 1989 in response to recommendations made by a brain injury work-study group that was formed under the direction of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors; and

WHEREAS, the study group identified traumatic brain injury as a major cause of disability in the Commonwealth, identified a need for coordinated community-based services for this disability group, and documented that brain injury is a unique problem that requires an array of specialized services to achieve successful rehabilitation; and

WHEREAS, the study group recommended a joint state and local effort to establish a unique nonprofit agency that specialized in the provision of services for persons with brain injury; and

WHEREAS, the study group recognized that specialized brain injury case management is the key to an effective and efficient community-based rehabilitation system; and

WHEREAS, Brain Injury Services, Inc., was the first agency in the Commonwealth to receive dedicated state funds to design and provide comprehensive community-based services to enable individuals to integrate successfully back into their communities after injury; and

WHEREAS, Brain Injury Services, Inc., through increased funding from the General Assembly, local government, and private partnerships, has been able to develop model programs and services for children and adults with brain injuries over the last 25 years; and

WHEREAS, Brain Injury Services, Inc., through the use of the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative grant award in 2002, established the first community-based case management program dedicated to children with brain injuries and their families; and

WHEREAS, Brain Injury Services, Inc., developed unique models of support services, including programs to allow individuals with brain injuries to remain in their homes, maintain volunteer or paid employment, transition from a nursing home, and function in their home communities; and

WHEREAS, Brain Injury Services, Inc., in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University's Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems, sponsors an annual brain injury conference to increase the education of professionals in the provision of quality services to this population, and in 2009 sponsored the First Annual International Conference on Culture, Ethnicity & Brain Injury Rehabilitation; and

WHEREAS, Brain Injury Services, Inc., has provided community awareness annually through the Kit Callahan Miracle Mile 10K Race, Fun Run, Circle of Hope, and many local events to educate the public on prevention of brain injury; and

WHEREAS, Brain Injury Services, Inc., is a direct partner in the implementation of the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program-Northern Region; and

WHEREAS, Brain Injury Services, Inc., has recently developed the first community-based brain injury neurobehavioral program and a dedicated Assistive Technology Program for this population; and

WHEREAS, Brain Injury Services, Inc., provided access to its model programs around the Commonwealth and helped other communities develop services for individuals with brain injuries and their families; and

WHEREAS, Brain Injury Services, Inc., is able to fulfill its mission to help people with brain injuries because of the pivotal roles played by its board of directors, staff, volunteers, and all involved in helping to continue the services needed to help individuals with brain injuries meet their daily challenges and lead lives of their choice; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Brain Injury Services, Inc., on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Karen Brown, executive director of Brain Injury Services, Inc., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and admiration for the organization's unswerving dedication and work on behalf of people with brain injuries.