Brain Injury Association of Tennessee Seeks to Raise Awareness and Prevention of Brain Injury With Walk for Thought

NASHVILLE, TN, March 30, 2011 (Press-News.org) ): The Brain Injury Association of Tennessee (BIAT) plans to host, rain or shine, its first annual Walk for Thought to raise awareness about brain injury and increase steps taken for prevention on April 2nd from 3 to 5 pm.

"It is more important for the Walk for Thought to bring awareness to brain injury than it is to bring in funds," said Pam Bryan, Executive Director of BIAT, speaking about the fundraising event.

The walk will begin under the pavilion on the west side of the lake, and follow a handicap-accessible paved path a mile around the Parthenon and Lake Watauga.

"The community is invited to come out and support our cause," said Bryan, "either to take part for the entry fee of $25, or simply cheer for the participants."

The mission of BIAT is to ensure hope and support by providing brain injury prevention, awareness, education, and advocacy to survivors and their families. Our vision is that our community unites to maximize the quality of life of those who are affected by brain injury.

"This being the first year for the walk," Bryan said, "we are hopeful that we will have 100 to 150 people, but a lot depends on the weather. As of right now, it's supposed to be 63 and partly cloudy, which should make for great weather just to be outdoors"

For more information about the Walk for Thought, or to register, please call 615-248-2541.visit BIAT's website at http://BrainInjuryTN.org or email Mark Kerrigan at BrainInjuryTN@gmail.com.

In 1983, when medical technology improved and people began surviving traumatic brain injuries in much greater numbers, head injury awareness was still new to public policy discussions. A group of concerned family members and volunteers decided to create the first head injury organization in Tennessee; thus the East Tennessee Interest Group on Traumatic Brain Injury, Inc. was born.

Keeping with the true volunteer spirit of Tennessee, the new organization was led by volunteers whose focus was to increase awareness of head injury issues. In 1988, the name became the Tennessee Head Injury Association (THIA), changing again in 1995 to the Brain Injury Association of Tennessee (BIAT).

In 1993 a part-time staff person was hired, and the organization's primary focus became the improvement in the quality of life for brain injury survivors and their families. In addition, BIAT rallied their support group members from across the state and petitioned the Tennessee General Assembly to establish a brain injury program within state government.

BIAT's Mission:

The primary mission of BIAT is to provide ongoing information, support and referral services to survivors of traumatic brain injury, their families and the public. The membership is comprised of people with brain injuries, their families and friends, and service providers who are working together to provide education, advocacy and support for those affected by brain injury.

The Brain Injury Association of Tennessee is a 501(c)3 non-profit, statewide organization overseen by a board of directors.

The Brain Injury Association of Tennessee (BIAT) is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to provide ongoing information, support and referral services to survivors of traumatic brain injury, their families and the public. The membership is comprised of people with brain injuries, their families and friends, and service providers who are working together to provide education, advocacy and support for those affected by brain injury. For further information, please contact the office at 615-248-2541.