The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) along with the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council (MBIPC) will be presenting an emotional and compelling exhibit of 300 paper mache masks created by brain injury survivors – Unmasking Brain Injury 2.0 – on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Lansing’s State Capitol Rotunda. The exhibit will offer excellent photo and video opportunities for reporters, as well as interview opportunities with survivors and health care providers.
Out of the 300 survivor handcrafted masks that express in art what many of these individuals are unable to do in words, the exhibit will include 147 masks created by brain injury survivors treated under Michigan’s Auto No-Fault law. Four of these survivors will also be on hand during the display to discuss their masks in person with inquiring legislators, media outlets and the general public, all of whom are invited to visit the display.
“Here in Michigan, this exhibit takes on two critically important additional roles,” explains BIAMI President Tom Constand. “The first is to remind everyone that the Brain Injury Association of Michigan serves to help provide access to care for ALL persons with brain injuries. The second is to remind legislators and the public that as we work to reduce the cost of auto insurance, we can never forget those most seriously impacted and the unparalleled standard of care that No-Fault has provided them and their families.”
MBIPC Board Chair Tim Hoste agrees: “Seven million registered drivers in Michigan feel the pain of high insurance rates, and that’s an issue that must be addressed,” says Hoste. “In doing so, however, it’s imperative we recognize the value of care and rehabilitation efforts provided through Auto No-Fault by over 190 accredited rehabilitation providers in Michigan for our nearly 17,000 survivors statewide.”
Originally conceived in North Carolina, the Unmasking Brain Injury project has spread across the country to promote awareness, educate the public via a window into survivors’ lives, and provide a means for survivors to share their stories.
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7305 Grand River, Suite 100 | Brighton, MI 48114-7379 Phone (810) 229-5880 | Fax: (810) 229-8947 Helpline: (800) 444-6443 E-mail: info@biami.org | Website: www.biami.org
THE VOICE OF BRAIN INJURY
About the Brain Injury Association of Michigan:
The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by brain injury while reducing the incidence and impact of brain injury through advocacy, awareness, education, prevention, research, and support. Founded in 1981, the Brighton, Mich.-based BIAMI serves Michigan’s brain injury community through comprehensive educational and preventative programs. BIAMI is recognized as a social impact, GuideStar Platinum organization, and is one of the largest (1,000+ members) of the Brain Injury Association of America’s state affiliates. The BIAMI is the primary conduit between survivors and an extensive network of facilities, programs and professionals in the state of Michigan, which is nationally recognized as a center of excellence in brain injury treatment and rehabilitative care. The BIAMI also supports 20 statewide chapters and support groups that meet monthly. For more information, visit www.biami.org or call the toll-free helpline at (800) 444-6443.
About the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council:
Since 1987, the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council, (a 501 (c)(6) trade association) has served providers in professions related to brain injury rehabilitation. The Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council’s purpose is to enhance the ability of its members to provide high quality, ethical rehabilitation, health care, and related services to people with a brain injury. This is accomplished through resource sharing and information exchange, professional development and education, promotion of beneficial legislation, advocacy for brain injury services, and support of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan.
Source: Press Release
