The Minnesota Journey Minnesota Journey

Our Mission To enhance the quality of life and bring the promise of a better tomorrow for all people affected by brain injury.

Who We Support Persons with brain injury Persons affected by brain injury Professionals who support persons with brain injury

How We Support Them We provide information, referrals, education, case management and advocacy for persons with brain injury, their families and the professionals who support them.

Federal grants were distributed to states to remedy the recognized need.

The Integration of TBI Services Implementation ( ) Post Demonstration ( ) Post Demonstration ( )

TBI Grants Partnerships MN Department of Human Services MN Department of Health MN Department of Employment and Economic Development MN Department of Education Brain Injury Association of MN

TBI Hospital Discharge Program Started in 1997

TBI Follow-Up Calls Initial call made 6 weeks after hospital discharge Additional calls are made at 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months

Summary of Early Findings Expand program Earlier point of contact Face to face meeting Information sent specific to issues Voluntary basis of program is empowering

Hospital Discharge Program Phase II Addressed barriers within Hispanic/Latino Community Additional hospitals within the metro area Add hospitals outside of the metro area

State Legislation Phase III Resulted in the provision of funding through a $50 increase of the DUI license reinstatement surcharge designated to traumatic brain injury.

Resource Facilitation Free, two-year telephone support assisting people in navigating life after brain injury Individuals can be referred by a professional or self-refer at anytime

Resource Facilitation Resource facilitation is a partnership Resource facilitation is a collaborative process

Guiding Principles of Resource Facilitation Individualized Accessible Holistic

Guiding Principles of Resource Facilitation Effective and valued Person centered/directed Creative and flexible Builds community partnerships

Resource Facilitation is built on three main functions: Building trusting relationships Linking people in need with resources identification of gaps in service delivery

Multicultural Outreach Connects racially/ethnically diverse and immigrant communities to brain injury support services Provides training and technical resources to culturally-specific providers Cultural specific staff and interpreters

Case Management Case management services for individuals on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waivers and Community Alternative for Disabled Individuals (CADI) Waivers Relocation Service Coordination (RSC) within contracted counties

The Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver provides funding for home and community-based services (HCBS) for children and adults who have an acquired or traumatic brain injury. TBI Waiver services may be provided in a person’s own home, in his/her biological or adoptive family’s home, in a relative’s home (e.g. sibling, aunt, grandparent etc.), in a family foster care home, in a corporate foster care home, in a board and lodging facility or in an assisted living facility. TBI Waiver services ensure quality services and supports are provided to meet the health, safety and welfare of each individual.

Coexistence of services Resource Facilitation provides the road map and advocacy to access services Case management provides coordination and management of service provision

Education Training opportunities for professionals who work with persons with brain injury Free education opportunities for all persons affected by brain injury, including family members

Public Policy Grassroots advocacy to create long-term solutions for persons affected by brain injury Free Advocacy training Online “Advocacy Action Center” and “Action e-list”

Volunteer Onetime or ongoing volunteer opportunities, including internships Workplace experience for persons with brain injury Peer/Mentor Support Program –Trained volunteers (Mentors) assist persons affected by brain injury (Peers) in working through the challenges associated with the injury

Development Annual Walk for Thought raises funds and awareness Three locations in 2009: St. Paul, Rochester, and Duluth

Public Awareness Outreach activities to increase awareness of brain injury causes and symptoms Produce materials to help market the organization

Providing people affected by brain injury the support they need, the hope for a better quality of life and the voice to be heard. For More Information: