Initiatives
Brain Injury Education and Prevention
Domestic Violence Education and Training
The BIAC contracted with the NM Brain Injury Alliance to train domestic violence providers about brain injuries and how to treat clientele with brain injuries. The first part of the trainings included brain injury basics, the correlation between strangulation and brain injury and basic screening for brain injury. The next trainings conducted included techniques to work with individuals with brain injuries. Approximately 230 professionals have received the trainings with more to come. Future trainings will involve creating a referral network between the DV providers and clinics and training the clinic providers on how to treat individuals with brain injuries who have been referred.
Brain Injury Awareness
The BIAC contracted with the University of New Mexico to educate rural communities about brain injuries. Two educational videos were created about brain injuries and stroke that are culturally relevant and understandable by a broad audience. Future projects will be to create educational videos in multiple languages to reach more people in New Mexico.
Useful Tools
Every 21 Seconds Documentary
Every 21 Seconds is inspired by a true story of a traumatic brain injury survivor (Brian Sweeny). This film explores how the brain injury affects his relationships and his family life. With the support of his family and friends, he gains strength to recover and rebuild a life after sustaining a brain injury.
You can watch the full documentary here or complete the request form for a DVD.
Statewide Bike Helmet Distribution
The Brain Injury Advisory Council has an ongoing statewide helmet distribution and education program. Students receive education about brain basics, concussions, the helmet law in New Mexico and how to properly wear a bike helmet. Bike helmets are distributed to students after receiving the education.
To request bike helmets for a distribution at your school or organization call 505-476-0412.
Dementia
Dementia can result from a variation of diseases and injuries that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia. More than 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, and it is the seventh leading cause of death and disability among older adults (World Health Organization Dementia, 2023). During fiscal year 2024, the BIAC partnered with the University of New Mexico to systematically search existing resources regarding dementias and store them in a central location for the public to easily access. In addition, educational and promotional material regarding dementias were developed and are available to the public at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18rTHhl5e7ReZ1GS0SJB_-IUgnBi4lLzt. These are available in an accessible format, and there are several available in Spanish
Stroke
A stroke is a non-traumatic brain injury that is a result of the brain’s blood supply decreasing or being completely blocked, depriving the brain of oxygen. This can result when blood vessels in the brain are ruptured or blocked by a clot.
Strokes are considered a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention. Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke is important, so that you can act quickly if you or someone you know may be having a stoke. Survival chances are greater with immediate medical care.
If you think someone is having a stroke, act F.A.S.T:
