Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a serious public health concern that can potentially be devastating and have sweeping consequences. TBI affects individuals of all ages and is the leading cause of long-term disability among children and adults.

The most recent Massachusetts statistics (2005) indicate TBI was responsible for

• 571 deaths;
• 5,193 inpatient hospitalizations;
• 1,303 observation stays and 9,640 emergency department visits (nonfatal injury).

Due to the significant consequences and lack of a cure, the prevention efforts of BIA-MA are of paramount importance.

Each day we make choices that can affect our safety and long term health.  The prevention programs of BIA-MA target individuals at an increased risk for injury for themselves and to others.  The programs of BIA-MA increase knowledge and build awareness to support healthy living habits and prevent unintentional injury.

These programs address the leading causes of brain injuries and the contributing underlying factors.  BIA-MA’s prevention efforts target a variety of topics including proper seatbelt & helmet use, pedestrian safety, sober driving, and many more.  Our programs include:

A Survivor’s Voice is a victim impact program designed for and conducted exclusively with the Driving Under the Influence of Liquor Program (DUIL), an educational and counseling-based alternative to incarceration for those convicted of a second offense of driving while under the influence of liquor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

A Matter of Balance Program is an evidence-based falls prevention program created by Boston University researchers that is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults.

Brains At Risk is an effective education and awareness court-referral program that links the choices made behind the wheel to the devastating effects of TBI.

KEYS (Keep Every Youth Safe) fulfills Module 14 of the Registry of Motor Vehicles Drivers Education Curriculum and aims to educate and empower new drivers to make smart driving decisions to avoid injury when on the road.

The Gateway Program is an exciting two-part diversion series designed to promote brain injury awareness and prevention among juveniles and young adults.

The Jose & Maria Program is an innovative bilingual safety education program for preschool children in the Springfield area.

Think A-Head is a dynamic school-based program designed to promote brain injury awareness and prevention among students grades 4 – 12.

Prevention Department Employment Opportunities

BIA-MA is a member of and collaborates with many agencies including the:

• Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's Partners in Prevention
• Partnership for Passenger Safety
• Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
• Massachusetts State Police
• Central Massachusetts Safety Council
• Massachusetts Prevent Injury NOW! Network
• Massachusetts Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention Task Force
• Belts Ensure A Safer Tomorrow (BEST)

For more information about our prevention programs, please contact:
Emily Ring, MPA, CBIS
Manager of Prevention Programs
(508) 475-0032 (Ext. 15)
Email: ering@biama.org