Brain Injury Services

Support

For current information and login details for a specific support group, contact BIA-MO by emailing Info@biamo.org or calling 1-800-444-6443.

Columbia Support Group – Second Thursday of the Month
Online: The Columbia Evening Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
Please RSVP to receive the log-in details for the Support Groups by contacting Info@biamo.org or call 1-800-444-6443.

Independence Support Group – First Tuesday of the Month
In-Person: The Independence Support Group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Meetings are held at 103 N Main St, Independence, MO 64050.

Kansas City Male Survivors Support Group – Third Tuesday of the Month
(Odd Months – January, March, May, July, September, and November)
In-Person: The Kansas City Male Survivors Support Group meets at Summit Ridge Apartment Club House, 701 NE Tudor Road, Lee Summit, MO 64086 from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm.

(Even Months – February, April, June, August, October, and December)
In-Person: The Kansas City Male Survivors support Group meets at Side Pockets, 224 NW Oldham Pkwy, Lees summit, MO 64081 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm. 

Kansas City North Support Group – Second Tuesday of the Month
Online: The Kansas City North Support Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm.
Please RSVP to receive the log-in details for the Support Groups by contacting Info@biamo.org or call 1-800-444-6443.

Kansas City Downtown Support Group – Second Thursday of the Month
In-Person: The Kansas City Downtown Support Group meets on the second Thursday of each month at 1:00 pm at The Whole Person, 3710 Main St., Kansas City MO 64111.

Kirksville Support Group – First Monday of the Month
In-Person: The Kirksville Support Group meets the first Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. Meetings are held at Rural Advocates for Independent Living (RAIL), 1102 S Jamison Street, Kirksville, MO 63501.

Springfield Survivor Support Groups – Every Wednesday
In-Person: Springfield Survivor Support Group meets every Wednesday from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm. Meetings are held at Preferred Family Healthcare, 2626 W. College, Springfield, MO 65802.

Springfield Survivor and Family Support Group – Third Tuesday of the Month
In-Person: The Springfield Survivor and Family Support Group meets the third Tuesday of each month from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Meetings are held at Preferred Family Healthcare, 2626 W. College, Springfield, MO 65802.

St. Charles Support Group – Second Thursday of the Month
In-Person: The St. Charles Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Meetings are held at St. Joseph Hospital, 300 1st Capitol Dr, Saint Charles, MO 63301.

St. Louis North Support Group – Third Wednesday of the Month
In-Person: The St. Louis North Support Group meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm. Meetings are help at the Brain Injury Association of Missouri Office, 2265 Schuetz Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63146.
Survivors will meet from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Family members will meet from 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm.

St. Louis Southwest Support Group – Every Second Sunday and Fourth Tuesday of the Month
Online: The St. Louis Southwest Support Group will hold an online Support Group on the second Sunday each month at 6:00 pm.
Please RSVP to receive the log-in details for the Support Groups by emailing Info@biamo.org or calling 314-426-4024.

In-Person: The in-person meeting will be the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the St. Clare Health Center Conference Center (Downstairs), 1015 Bowles Avenue, Fenton, MO 63026.

Find the Brain Injury Association in your State

 Arkansas :www.biausa.org
Illinois :www.biail.org
Iowa :www.biausa.org
Kansas :www.biaks.org
Kentucky :www.biausa.org
Nebraska :www.biausa.org
Oklahoma :www.biausa.org
Tennessee :www.braininjurytenn.org



The Brain Injury Association is a network of local affiliates and our national office. If you are outside of Missouri, visit the Brain Injury Association of America to find local services and support groups.

Call 1-800-444-6443 for information and referral to resources within your community.  Within the St. Louis area, please call 314-426-4024.

The Brain Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) will provide information regarding resources within your community.  These services range from basic needs resources to brain injury specialized services.

The 1-800-444-6443 is a national toll-free number and will connect you to the Brain Injury Association within your community. A recorder voice will ask for the state you are seeking resources. For example, you will say “Missouri” to reach the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO). You may also stay on the line to leave a voice message, which will be forwarded to BIA-MO for follow-up with you.

If you are seeking resources for a different state, say the state’s name at the voice prompt.

Contact BIA-MO via email.

Professionals: To make a referral for services for a client, customer or consumer, click here.

The Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) Survivor and Family Regional Seminars provide helpful information, practical suggestions, and support for life with brain injury.

Survivor and Family Education
October 21, 2023

Program Agenda 2023
8:15 am – 3:15 pm

Registration
8:15 am – 9:00 am

Brain Injury 101
8:15 am – 9:00 am
Pre-seminar session for individuals and families recently impacted by brain injury or years post-injury with unanswered questions.

Welcome
9:00 am – 9:15 am

Managing Emotions, Actions and Decisions Following Brain Injury
9:15 am – 10:00 am
Discuss techniques to identify triggers, manage actions, and think-through options to control outbursts, impulses and decisions.

Break with Exhibitors
10:00 am – 10:15 am

Balancing Schedules, Demands and Stress of Life with Brain Injury
10:15 am – 11:00 am
Learn ways to manage needs of self and others.

Break with Exhibitors
11:00 am – 11:15 am

Breakout Session
11:15 am – 12:00 pm
On the Road Again – Transportation Options
Learn what is needed to drive again. Discuss public, private and ride sharing transportation. 

Navigating Medicare, Medicaid, SSI and SSDI
Learn differences, eligibility and application processes for community support benefits.

Break with Exhibitors
1:30 pm – 1:45 pm

Breakout Session
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
Working with Brain Injury
Explore ways to find and keep a job you enjoy, secure work accommodations, and have a career while utilizing Social Security Disability. 

Building Relationships and Community Involvement to Reduce Social Isolation
Discuss ways too build or rebuild positive relationships to  participate in activities you enjoy.

Let’s Talk
2:30 pm – 3;15  pm
Facilitated discussions to encourage sharing of experiences of life with brain injury. There will be one group for persons with brain injury and one for family and friends.

Each year the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) recognizes a few individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements.

Nominations are open now until October 1, 2023.

2023 Award Categories:

Courage Award – Honors the success of an individual with brain injury.

Bill Buell Memorial Award – Honors a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or Case Manager who has provided outstanding service to the brain injury community within or outside of his or her employment responsibilities.

Point of Light Award – Honors an individual who has provided outstanding service to persons with brain injury. Nominations must be made by an individual with brain injury.

Volunteer of the Year – Honors an individual who has furthered the Mission of the Brain Injury Association of Missouri through his or her volunteer service with the organization.

Legislator of the Year – Honors an elected official representing citizens of Missouri who has supported the prevention of brain injuries, services for survivors of brain injury or their families, or supported issues important to the brain injury community.

Service Excellence Award – Community Service – Honors an individual or organization for exceptional service within the brain injury community.

Service Excellence Award – Fundraising – Honors an individual or organization for efforts to generate financial support for services of the Brain Injury Association of Missouri

Service Excellence Award – Prevention – Honors an individual or organization for lasting contributions in brain injury prevention.

Service Excellence Award – Public Relations – Honors an individual or organization for outreach and educational efforts that have increased awareness of brain injury, needs within the brain injury community, and the Brain Injury Association of Missouri.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Honors an individual or organization for significant contributions and long-term impact to the brain injury community.

The BIA-MO Annual Awards will be presented on Saturday, October 21, 2023 as part of the Awards Luncheon and Annual Meeting. Reservations are required to attend this recognition of survivors, family members, volunteers and supporters. The BIA-MO Awards Luncheon and Annual Meeting will be held at the Marriott St. Louis West Hotel.

Make a Nomination online now for a BIA-MO 2023 Annual Award.

Download a BIA-MO Nomination Form.

For more information, Contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri at info@biamo.org or 314-426-4024

BIA-MO Program Overview

BIA-MO Step by Step Brochure

Education

The Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) Survivor and Family Regional Seminars provide helpful information, practical suggestions, and support for life with brain injury. Each year, regional Seminars are held in March, and in October.

Survivor and Family Education 2023

This year, the BIA-MO Survivor and Family Education Seminar is back in-person.
Register Online Now or Download the registration form

You are encouraged to participate in both days

SOUTHWEST
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Catherine McAuley Center
Mercy Hospital Springfield
1235 E Cherokee, Springfield, MO 65804
8:00 am – 3:15 pm

WESTERN
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Community Center for Health & Education
Saint Joseph Medical Center
1000 Carondelet Dr, Kansas City, MO 64114
8:00 am – 3:15 pm

EASTERN
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Marriott West Saint Louis
660 Maryville Centre Dr, Saint Louis, MO 63141
8:00 am – 3:15

Brain Injury Association of Missouri
19th Annual Statewide Conference
October 19 – 20, 2023

The Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) Annual Statewide Professional Conference is the only conference in Missouri developed to specifically address issues relating to brain injury.

It is the premier educational opportunity for professionals who provide care for individuals with brain injury.

National and local experts shared current research, innovative therapeutic strategies and best practice treatments to further develop knowledge and skills to improve the quality of life for survivors of brain injury.

2023 Session Topics Include:
  • Grief in Survivors and Family Members
  • AI and Smart Home Technology for Safety and Independence
  • Types of Doctors/Specialists. Know the Difference for Referrals and manage Expectations of Care and Outcomes
  • Pediatric Critical Care
  • Preparing Patients/Clients/Consumers to Drive Again
  • Advances in Science for Brain Injury: Diagnosis, Treatment, Medicine and Therapy
  • Navigating Community and State Resources for Long-Term Support
  • Brain Injury as a Chronic Disease
  • Self-Employment: Supporting Survivors for Success
  • Intimacy and Relationships After Brain Injury
  • Vision Therapy

Conference Overview(pending)

Conference Schedule – Professional Days Oct 20 and 21, 2023(pending)

Conference CEUs(pending)

CEU Information(pending)

Conference Overview and Features(pending)

Conference Features(pending)

Conference Keynote Speakers(pending)

Conference Sponsorship Opportunities(pending)

Thank you to our Sponsors

Co-Host Sponsor


Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services


Rehabilitation Track Sponsor


SSM Health Rehabilitation Network


Resources in Rural Missouri Track Sponsor


Missouri AgrAbility Project
Video

Resources:
Missouri AgrAbility Project Brochure
Lincoln University Brochure

Veterans Track Sponsor


Missouri Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program
Video

Keynote Sponsors

Break Sponsor

The DeVoto Law Firm

Exhibit Sponsors

Ozark Neuro Rehab Center

The Center for Head Injury Services

The Dream Works, Inc

Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis

QLI

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90TBSG0061-01-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

These materials are based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), United States Department of Agriculture, Under sponsored project number 2022-41590-38128.

The Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) Sports Concussions: Facts, Fallacies and New Frontiers Education for 2023 met in-person. Educators, healthcare and sports professionals participated in Educational Sessions, Concussion Conversations and Get Schooled on Concussions. There will also be ongoing resources of individualized academic Tip strategies and Sheets to support the concussed youth.

Participation in components of the BIA-MO Sports Concussions: Facts, Fallacies and New Frontiers Education 2023 enhanced outcomes for concussed youth and the prevention of concussions.

Sports Concussions: Facts, Fallacies and New Frontiers Educational Sessions
Recorded educational sessions to watch in 2023. Sessions will range from 30 to 60 minutes.

Signs and Symptoms
Kayla E. Daniel, MD
Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist, Sports Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine

Myth Busters
Katie Smith, ATC, LAT
Manager-Clinical Operations
SSM Health Cardinal Glennon SportsCare

Research Update
Kitty Newsham, PhD, ATC
Associate Professor & Training
Saint Louis University

Awareness for All: Teaching Others About Concussions
Emily Doosing
Field Specialist, 4H
University of Missouri

Linda Neumann, RN
School Health Consultant
MO Association of Nurses

Concussion Care Continuum: Know the Roles
Nathan Jarman, MAT, ATC, LAT, CES/PE
Licensed Athletic Trainer
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital

Know When to Advocate for Concussed Youth
Meghan Luczkowski, PT, DPT, LAT, ATC
Sports Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer
Mercy Sports Medicine

Get Schooled on Concussions for Missouri
Online resources to complement the sessions and conversations of the Sports Concussions: Facts, Fallacies and New Frontiers education 2021.

The Get Schooled on Concussions website and resources will be available FREE of charge to EVERY SCHOOL in Missouri for calendar year 2021. The Get Schooled on Concussions program was developed by education and concussion specialists to help teachers support any student in “return to learn” after sustaining a concussion. A short questionnaire on educational content, teaching style, environment and student factors provides strategies tailored to support a specific student. Various educator-oriented Tip Sheets and videos are also available. This resource and website access is available through the Brain Injury Association of Missouri, in partnership with the Missouri Athletic Trainers’ Association and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services TBI Grant.

Registration for the BIA-MO Sports Concussions: Facts, Fallacies and New Frontiers Education 2024 is required.

Online: Registration Form

Email: Concussions@biamo.org

Phone: 314-426-4024 or 1-800-444-6443

Fax: Download Registration Form and fax to 314-426-3290

Your registration confirmation will include the link and log-in information for each portion of the BIA-MO Sports Concussions: Facts, Fallacies and New Frontiers Education 2021.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Sponsorship reflects your commitment to protect youth through educational programming for coaches, athletic team administrators, school personnel and recreational league staff. Promotional material and event recognition increases awareness of your services and support for the Brain Injury Association of Missouri.

Download Sponsorship Brochure

Online Sponsorship Form

Thank You to our Sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor


Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

 

Concussion Conversation Sponsors

                                                                         
            Sports Medicine Center at Children’s Mercy                  Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Young Athlete Center

 
Get Schooled on Concussions Sponsor


Missouri Athletic Trainer’s Association

Education Sponsors

                                           
Missouri Institute of Mental Health                        Missouri United School Insurance Council

   
SSM Cardinal Glennon SportsCare

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90TBSG0040-02-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.

The Brain Injury Association of Missouri offers education programs for youth, parents, school personnel, coaches and the community regarding concussions and brain injury. All of the programs below are offered free of charge to team and school personnel.

Concussion Overview for Parents and Athletes
A 15-minute standardized educational program that is incorporated into parent and/or athlete meetings. It is also relevant for parent-teacher organizations or athletic association meetings.

Content includes the signs and symptoms of a concussion, why it is important to recognize a possible concussion, what should the parent or teammate do if they suspect someone has a concussion, what helps with healing of a concussion and when is medical attention needed following a possible concussion.

Print a Request for Presentation Form or complete the Request for Presentation online.

Concussion Training for Coaches and School Personnel
Training for youth sports coaches (paid or volunteer), school nurses, administrators, and licensed athletic trainers.

This half-day training is free of charge for sports team and school personnel. Content includes an in-depth review of the signs and symptoms of concussion, risk factors regarding short and long-term effects of concussion, concussion care and management at the time of potential injury through recovery, return to play protocols and Missouri’s youth sports concussion law.

Sign up to receive information about the Sports Concussions: Facts, Fallacies and New Frontiers Seminars.

Save Your Brain
Age-appropriate education is offered for elementary, middle and high school students regarding brain injury as part of a specific class or Ability Awareness Day programs.

Content includes causes of brain injury, affects of brain injury, impact on the person and his/her family, concussions and how to be accepting of individuals who may have sustained a brain injury. We also mention services of the Brain Injury Association of Missouri for further information.

Print a Request for Presentation Form or complete the Request for Presentation online form.

Contact BIA-MO for information at concussions@biamo.org or 1-800-444-6443.

Brain Injury Association of Missouri staff and volunteers are available for educational presentations. Audience groups include professionals of various disciplines, community or civic organizations, youth sports associations, schools, corporations and more.

To request a brain injury related presentation, please complete the downloadable Request for Presentation Form or contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri at SpeakersBureau@biamo.org or 1-800-444-6443.

Locating resources for consumers and clients is often a challenge and the purpose of the Networking Coffee is for professionals to increase or refresh their awareness of resources for survivors of brain injury.

The BIA-MO Networking Coffees are for professionals in the field of direct services, on a full-time, or periodic basis, in the areas of:

  •         Rehabilitation
  •         Employment
  •         Community Support
  •         Residential
  •         Mental Health
  •         Assistive Technology
  •         Adaptive Equipment
  •         Trauma Services
  •         Discharge Planning
  •         Agriculture

SPRINGFIELD, MO – Tuesday, September 19, 2023
When: 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Where: Preferred Family Healthcare
RSVP requested by Monday, September 18, 2023

ST. LOUIS, MO – Tuesday, September 5, 2023
When: 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Where: Brain Injury Association of Missouri Office
RSVP requested by Monday, September 4, 2023

Email Lynn Winterberg, BIA-MO Program Associate, (lynn@biamo.org), to RSVP for log in information or to be added to the mailing list for future BIA-MO Networking Coffees and events.

Collaborating Partners:

       

The Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) is pleased to offer educational scholarships for survivors of brain injury to pursue post-secondary education. Qualified educational institutions include two-year colleges, four-year colleges or universities, and vocational and trade school programs.

Scholarship funding may be used for expenses directly related to post-secondary education. Allowable expenses include tuition, room and board, books, required class material such as workbooks, specialized tools, etc.

21-14 Concussion Awareness Foundation Educational Scholarship
Memorial scholarship of the 21-14 Concussion Awareness Foundation to honor the giving of time and talent by John Stefan Gaal, Jr. The 21-14 Concussion Awareness Foundation Scholarship will provide one (1) $750 post-secondary educational scholarship for a survivor of brain injury to pursue post-secondary education.

Griggs Injury Law Educational Scholarship
Corporate scholarship of Griggs Injury Law, LLC to assist survivors of brain injury in Western Missouri and Kansas counties of Johnson and Wyandotte. The Griggs Injury Law Educational Scholarship provides two $750 scholarships to support post-secondary education.

Lifestreams Educational Scholarship
Corporate Scholarship provided by Lifestreams to support survivors of brain injury in Missouri to pursue education in healthcare and rehabilitation fields with a focus on brain injury.

Linda Hobbs Arts Education Scholarship
Honoring Linda’s devotion and dedication to being selfless as well as promoting Arts in the educational system. The Linda Hobbs Arts Education Scholarship will provide one (1) post-secondary educational scholarship for a survivor or brain injury to pursue an arts-related career. Applicant-created work may be submitted as application supporting material.

SSM Health Rehabilitation Network Educational Scholarship
Corporate scholarship of SSM Health Rehabilitation Network – Select Medical Partnership to assist survivors of brain injury on their road of recovery through encouragement and support for post-secondary education. The SSM Health Rehabilitation Network Scholarship program offers two $750 post-secondary education scholarships for survivors of brain injury who are residents of Missouri.

Jim and Lori Winter Educational Scholarship
Honors the long-time volunteer leadership of Jim and Lori Winter for strengthening the Brain Injury Association of Missouri. Lori continues her volunteer service as a Support Group Facilitator for two groups. Donations to BIA-MO support the Jim and Lori Winter Scholarship Fund to provide two $750 scholarships for survivors of brain injury to continue post-secondary education. Scholarship recipients must be residents of Missouri.

Ransin Injury Law Educational Scholarship
Corporate scholarship of Ransin Injury Law, LLC to assist survivors of brain injury in Missouri. The Ransin Injury Law Educational Scholarship provides two $750 scholarships to support post-secondary education.

Applications for the BIA-MO Educational Scholarships are being accepted now!

Required Material for Scholarship Application

  • Application Cover Sheet
  • Application Essay: Up to 500 words by the survivor of brain injury sharing how and when his or her brain injury occurred, challenges that have resulted, and education status, successes and goals. This essay should include the applicant’s educational plans and how the BIA-MO Scholarship program will assist in reaching the goals.
  • Two letters of reference: From individuals familiar with applicant’s abilities and educational/training goals such as a teacher, rehabilitation therapist, counselor, or employer.
  • Acceptance Verification: Documentation showing acceptance to participate in educational/training program on Scholarship Application.

Submit application to:
Mail: Brain Injury Association of Missouri, Inc.
2265 Schuetz Road
Saint Louis, MO 63146-3409

Fax: (314) 426-3290 Email: info@biamo.org

Apply Online

Download Scholarship Application

Selection Process
The same application is used for consideration for each scholarship. There is no need to submit separate applications.

The Scholarship Committee reviews all applications. From these applications the Committee selects recipients. Decisions by the Scholarship Committee are final. All applicants are notified of the decision regarding their scholarship following the Selection Committee Meeting.

The scholarship payment is sent directly to the educational institution.

Add me to Scholarship Application Mailing List

Missouri Greenbook: Living with Brain Injury

Return to Play Protocol – MSHSAA

Return to Learn – Physician Form for School

Concussion Symptom Checklist – School Nurse Form

Concussion Management – The Team Plan

Health In Rural Missouri Report 2018 – 2019

CDC Heads Up for Coaches Fact Sheet

Recreation

Camp activities will still include arts and crafts, games, music and food. We will also enjoy nature and conversation with others.

Survivors of brain injury, family members, professionals and community supports are encouraged to join in the fun.  There is no cost, but registration is required.

Choose from the following BIA-MO One-Day Outdoor Camps:

St. Louis on Saturday, September 9 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Brain Injury Association Office 2265 Schuetz Rd, Saint Louis, MO 63146.

Columbia on Sunday, September 10 from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm at Stephens Lake Park, 2001 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201.

Register Now for a BIA-MO One-Day Outdoor Camps!

For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri at Camp@biamo.org, 1-800-444-6443 or 314-426-4024.

BIA-MO Recreational Planning for 2024:

A week of recreation, socialization and adventure for persons with brain injury is one of the initial programs of the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) and continues its positive impact today.

The BIA-MO Donald Danforth Jr. Wilderness Camp is a week-long organized outdoor experience, held at Sunnyhill Adventures in Dittmer, Missouri for persons with a brain injury.

During Camp, survivors of brain injury of all abilities have the opportunity to try – and overcome – challenges such as zip-lining, performing in the Talent Show and more. They form friendships with fellow survivors while playing games, listening to music, creating art and enjoying the outdoors.  Activities like swimming, fishing, target shooting and paddle boating are also fun for Campers!

Just the Facts 

  • What: BIA-MO Donald Danforth Jr. Wilderness Camp
  • Who: Survivors of brain injury, ages 18 and older
  • Where: Sunnyhill Adventure Camp, 6555 Sunlit Way, Dittmer, MO 63023
  • When: Summer 2022
  • Why: Survivors enjoy a week of fun, relaxation and independence, while family members and caregivers stay home for a week of respite.
  • How: The cost for the camp is $390 for Missouri residents and $475 for out-of-state residents. Scholarships are available if needed. A contracted Camp fee of $550 per person is charged to BIA-MO. If you are able to pay closer to this amount, please do so to help scholarships be available for other Campers. 

Camp Frequently Asked Questions…

  • Transportation: In most cases, Campers provide their own personal transportation to and from Camp. Van transportation is available from St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Joseph, and Columbia for $25 per rider. This service is provided by Sunnyhill and must be requested as part of the Camp registration.
  • Day Activities – Swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, target shooting, sports and games, zip lining, paddle boating, Alpine Tower and more!
  • Evening Activities – Bonfire, Dinner Dance, Talent Show, Pool Party and Bingo
  • Personal Care Assistance – Sunnyhill Adventures has staff to provide personal care assistance, as needed, for survivors’ enjoyment of Camp. However, it is not a “Special Medical Needs” Camp as defined by the American Camp Association (ACA) and some Campers with complex medical needs may need to provide their own PCA.
  • Sunnyhill Adventure Camp – They are accredited by the American Camping Association and have served individuals with special needs for more than 40 years. Learn more about Sunnyhill Adventures.
  • Assistance with Camp Fee – If assistance is needed to cover a Camper’s Fee, check with local resources who may be able to help cover some or all of the Camp Fee.
  • Walk-Float-Swim – This At-Camp fundraiser gives Campers the opportunity to log laps around the pool or designated Campground areas, and win prizes while doing so! Family, friends and neighbors may donate a fixed amount for each lap a Camper walks, floats or swims while at Camp. Donations support the Brain Injury Association of Missouri and Camp Scholarships.

Sponsor-A-Camper

Approximately 40 percent of Campers attending the BIA-MO Donald Danforth Jr. Wilderness Camp need scholarship assistance for their Camp Fee.

Your donation of $390 or more provides Full Scholarship assistance for a Camper. Your generosity of any amount will support partial scholarships and program support to ensure Campers who want to attend Camp have the opportunity for this week of fun, relaxation and independence.

Make Your Sponsor-A-Camper Donation now!

Contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri at 1-800-444-6443 or Contact Us with questions about Camp or additional suggestions on financial resources and assistance with Camp Fees. 

BIA-MO Recreational Planning for 2024:

A week of recreation, socialization and adventure for persons with brain injury is one of the initial programs of the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) and continues its positive impact today.

The BIA-MO Donald Danforth Jr. Wilderness Camp is a week-long organized outdoor experience, held at Sunnyhill Adventures in Dittmer, Missouri for persons with a brain injury.

During Camp, survivors of brain injury of all abilities have the opportunity to try – and overcome – challenges such as zip-lining, performing in the Talent Show and more. They form friendships with fellow survivors while playing games, listening to music, creating art and enjoying the outdoors. Activities like swimming, fishing, target shooting and paddle boating are also fun for Campers!

Just the Facts

  • What: BIA-MO Donald Danforth Jr. Wilderness Camp
  • Who: Survivors of brain injury, ages 18 and older
  • Where: Sunnyhill Adventure Camp, 6555 Sunlit Way, Dittmer, MO 63023
  • When: Summer 2022
  • Why: Survivors enjoy a week of fun, relaxation and independence, while family members and caregivers stay home for a week of respite.
  • How: The cost for the camp is $390 for Missouri residents and $475 for out-of-state residents. Scholarships are available if needed. A contracted Camp fee of $550 per person is charged to BIA-MO. If you are able to pay closer to this amount, please do so to help scholarships be available for other Campers.

Camp Frequently Asked Questions…

  • Transportation: In most cases, Campers provide their own personal transportation to and from Camp. Van transportation is available from St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Joseph, and Columbia for $25 per rider. This service is provided by Sunnyhill and must be requested as part of the Camp registration.
  • Day Activities – Swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, target shooting, sports and games, zip lining, paddle boating, Alpine Tower and more!
  • Evening Activities – Bonfire, Dinner Dance, Talent Show, Pool Party and Bingo
  • Personal Care Assistance – Sunnyhill Adventures has staff to provide personal care assistance, as needed, for survivors’ enjoyment of Camp. However, it is not a “Special Medical Needs” Camp as defined by the American Camp Association (ACA) and some Campers with complex medical needs may need to provide their own PCA.
  • Sunnyhill Adventure Camp – They are accredited by the American Camping Association and have served individuals with special needs for more than 40 years. Learn more about Sunnyhill Adventures.
  • Assistance with Camp Fee – If assistance is needed to cover a Camper’s Fee, check with local resources who may be able to help cover some or all of the Camp Fee.
  • Walk-Float-Swim – This At-Camp fundraiser gives Campers the opportunity to log laps around the pool or designated Campground areas, and win prizes while doing so! Family, friends and neighbors may donate a fixed amount for each lap a Camper walks, floats or swims while at Camp. Donations support the Brain Injury Association of Missouri and Camp Scholarships.

Sponsor-A-Camper

Approximately 40 percent of Campers attending the BIA-MO Donald Danforth Jr. Wilderness Camp need scholarship assistance for their Camp Fee.

Your donation of $390 or more provides Full Scholarship assistance for a Camper. Your generosity of any amount will support partial scholarships and program support to ensure Campers who want to attend Camp have the opportunity for this week of fun, relaxation and independence.

Make Your Sponsor-A-Camper Donation now!

Contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri at 1-800-444-6443 or Contact Us with questions about Camp or additional suggestions on financial resources and assistance with Camp Fees.

BIA-MO Social Recreation!

All BIA-MO Social Recreation events at this time have been suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.

 For Questions: Call 314-426-4024 or email Lynn Winterberg, BIA-MO Program Associate, at Lynn@biamo.org.

Legislative Advocacy
BIA-MO Yearly Overview

  • 7,000 persons with brain injury, family members and professionals served

  • 2,500 survivors of brain injury and family members receive support, gain knowledge, and know they are not alone.

  • 118,000 Missourians are living with a long-term disability due to brain injury

  • 300,000 student athletes have their concussion-risk lowered by sports and school personnel attending training

  • 14,000 people admitted to hospital for stroke in Missouri

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This is the only conference in Missouri established to specifically address issues relating to brain injury. Thursday, October 19 and Friday, October 20 is for professionals who work with survivors of Brain Injury on a periodic or full time basis. Saturday, October 21 is applicable to survivors and [...]
Survivors of brain injury and family members will come together for an in-person event in Saint Louis on Saturday, October
The Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) One Day Regional Camps were held in Columbia, Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis in Spring and Fall 2023. Camp activities included arts and crafts, games and music as well as enjoying nature and spending time with
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BIA-MO UPCOMING EVENTS

Today

Event Series Kirksville Support Group

Kirksville Support Group

Rural Advocates for Independent Living (RAIL) 1100 S. Jamison, Kirksville,, MO

Kirksville – First Monday of Month at 6:00 pm.  Rural Advocates for Independent Living (RAIL), 1100 S. Jamison, Kirksville, MO 63501 Contact: Don Bindner (660) 988-1923

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