BIANYS NAMES NEW CO-CHAIR FOR STATEWIDE CONCUSSION INITIATIVE

 

ALBANY, N.Y.: January 30, 2018 –  The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS), a statewide non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with brain injuries and their families, announced today that Brian Rieger, PhD has been appointed Co-Chair of the agency’s statewide Concussion Initiative.

Dr. Rieger is Chief Psychologist and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at SUNY Upstate Medical University.  A specialist in brain injury, Rieger serves as the director of the Upstate Concussion Center.  He will support the committee in his new role alongside longstanding BIANYS Board Member and Co-Chair Andrew Hess, PhD.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Rieger to the leadership team of the Concussion Initiative,” said Eileen Reardon, Executive Director of BIANYS. “Dr. Rieger brings both comprehensive leadership skills and knowledge in the arena of concussion.  Additionally, his extensive experience serving patients makes him an ideal choice as co-chair for the committee as we continue to work toward addressing concussion statewide.”

Dr. Rieger earned his Bachelor’s degree at Wesleyan University in Connecticut and obtained his PhD in Counseling Psychology at Fordham University in New York City. He is a frequent speaker on the topic of concussion and sports-concussion at medical, sports, academic and community forums.  His research interests include academic problems due to concussion as well as novel assessment techniques in concussion management.

“I am honored that BIANYS has asked me to serve as co-chair of this incredibly important initiative,” Rieger said. “I look forward to working alongside a talented committee of professionals and specialists as we continue to work towards preventing and responding to concussion across New York State.”

The BIANYS Concussion Initiative was developed by the organization as an interdisciplinary approach to issues related to concussion. The goals of the Initiative are to identify and implement protocols that achieve a successfully Return-to-Life for all New Yorkers who sustain concussions; advocate for corresponding public policy addressing concussion; and to implement a statewide educational standard that addresses concussion for those impacted by concussion, loved ones, and professionals in the field.

 

BIANYS ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH IN MARCH WITH CONTINUATION OF BLUE JEANS FOR BRAIN INJURY CAMPAIGN AND ANNUAL ADVOCACY DAY

Organizations across the state are invited to participate to raise awareness and funds to support the BIANYS during the Month of March

Hundreds of individuals, caregivers and family members affected by brain injury to attend BIANYS Annual Brain Injury Advocacy Day on March 20

ALBANY, NY: January 18, 2018 – The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS), a statewide non-profit membership organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with brain injuries and their families announced today plans for Brain Injury Awareness Month in March with the continuation of their annual Blue Jeans for Brain Injury fundraising campaign, Brain Injury Advocacy Day and other statewide activities.

Every year, serious falls, assaults, car accidents and other incidents such as stroke result in brain injury for thousands of New Yorkers. Brain injury profoundly impacts individuals’ physical and cognitive abilities and makes it extremely difficult or impossible for individuals to live full productive lives. Brain injury can influence family dynamics, community activities, employment and social life. Behavioral changes that may occur as a result of brain injury can also have a significant impact on the ability to interact with others and conform to the rules and structure of society.

“The Brain Injury Association is proud to be on the forefront of organizing awareness activities throughout New York State during Brain Injury Awareness Month in March,” said Eileen Reardon, executive director for BIANYS. “We have been successful working alongside dozens of organizations to host individual events statewide and we are proud to continue to raise awareness and funds to support our mission based work.”

In March, BIANYS will commence their statewide Brain Injury Awareness activities with their first Meet and Greet of the year on Wednesday, March 7 at Crandall Public Library in Glens Falls, N.Y. The scheduled session will include a live in-person program and an interactive question-and-answer period hosted by staff and leadership from BIANYS.

As part of Brain Injury Awareness Month,  the organization is also organizing their annual Brain Injury Advocacy Day on March 20 in Albany, N.Y.  Hundreds of individuals, caregivers and family members affected by brain injury will have the opportunity to share their personal experience, meet with legislators, address current issues and show their support for the cause.

Organizations and companies that are looking to do something impactful and are interested in participating in any of the upcoming activities scheduled, are invited to participate in one of the following free informational webinars:

  • Wednesday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m.

Registration is available online at www.bianys.org