Institute of Rural Health to sponsor spring Web series on traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury research, education and prevention will be explored in a free, six-part Web series, sponsored by Idaho State University's Institute of Rural Health.

Sessions run Feb. 23 through April 13, 1 to 2:30 p.m., MST. Family members, private providers, state agency personnel, and the general public who work with or have an interest in traumatic brain injuries can register at www.idahotbi.org .

Here's the schedule:

• Feb. 23 – "Life with Sofie the Service Dog: A Scientific Examination and Personal Memoir of a TBI Survivor"

Dr. Beth Stamm will discuss her own TBI and what it is like to be partnered with a service dog.  She'll talk about the positives and negatives of having a service dog, what people can expect a service dog to do, and discuss service dogs and community integration.

Presenter: Beth Hudnall Stamm, PhD, Professor, Institute of Rural Health, Idaho State University

• March 9 – "Brain Injury: 'Searching the Cure—Reality versus Hope'"

This webinar will focus on various types and severity of acquired brain injury.  In addition to

Acute Care interventions, discussion will include novel interventions for an array of associated disabilities. There will be a final overview of long term considerations for persons and families alike.

Presenters: Alan H. Weintraub, M.D., Medical Director-Craig Treatment Program, Craig Hospital, NIDRR TBI Center and NIDRR TBI National Statistical Database

• March 14 – "Using Smartphones & PDAs to Enhance Memory and Organization"

Individuals with TBI often have difficulty with memory and organization skills. This presentation will focus on a study that demonstrated efficiency and practical applications for using generic technology to assist with completion of daily activities after TBI.

Presenters: Roberta DePompei, PhD – Director, School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Akron

• March 30 – "Understanding Everybody's Behavior After Brain Injury:  Don't 'Don't!'"

While a brain injury may neurologically impair one person, the effects of the injury are experienced by many others in that person's life.  Learn to recognize and understand the effects on all parties, then how to adapt.

Presenter: Harvey Jacobs, PhD, LLC, Licensed Clinical Psychologist/Behavior Analyst.

Don't "Don't!" is a trademark of Harvey Earl Jacobs, 2010.  All Rights Reserved.

• April 4 – "Reintegration and Traumatic Brain Injury: Challenges Facing Our Veterans and Their Families"

Reintegration of our military men and women from active duty life to veteran and civilian status is a journey that can be difficult and emotional.  Imagine traveling this road with a TBI.   This presentation will focus on the specific challenges facing veterans with a TBI and their families and resources available to assist them.

Presenter: Karyn George, MS, CRC – National Manager, Office of Care Coordination-Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center/The TBI Operational Component of the Defense and Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury

• April 13 – "Family Coping after a Traumatic Brain Injury"

This presentation will address the variables that challenge families when coping with brain injury.

Presenter: Robert Karol, PhD, LP, ABPP, CBIST, President: Karol Neuropsychological Services and Consulting.

The series is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

For more information, contact the Institute of Rural Health at the ISU-Meridian Health Science Center, 208-373-1773.

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