Mandan, ND (KXNET) — March has been officially declared Brain Injury Awareness Month in North Dakota through a proclamation by Governor Kelly Armstrong. To commemorate this, the North Dakota Brain Injury Network (NDBIN) is hosting its annual Mind Matters Conference this month, focusing on brain injury awareness and care.
The event, organized by NDBIN and held at the Center for Rural Health at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, aims to bring together survivors, caregivers, healthcare providers, and community members. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions on various brain health-related topics, learning about the latest approaches to treating and supporting individuals living with brain injuries.
This year, the conference will emphasize the intersection between interpersonal violence and brain injury, with special attention given to the impact of domestic violence on brain health. Rachel Ramirez, director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, is the featured speaker, and she will delve into how domestic violence can lead to traumatic brain injuries, offering insights into the long-term consequences and challenges survivors face.
According to NDBIN, between 50% to 90% of individuals with a history of domestic violence exhibit symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This highlights the importance of addressing brain injury not just as a standalone issue, but as part of a larger conversation about violence and its impact on mental and physical health.
Carly Endres, Senior Project Coordinator at NDBIN, expressed the significance of the event: “March is always a bittersweet time for us at NDBIN. We get to celebrate and acknowledge not only the hard work of survivors in their recovery journey, but also the professionals who help them get there.”
The Mind Matters Conference will take place on March 20-21 at the Baymont by Wyndham in Mandan, North Dakota. Attendees can register for the full two-day event or opt to participate for just one day. For those interested in earning professional development, continuing education units will be available in a variety of fields, including addiction counseling, audiology, psychology, nursing, social work, and more.
This conference provides a vital opportunity for healthcare professionals, individuals affected by brain injury, and community members to gain knowledge, share experiences, and collaborate on ways to improve care for those living with brain injuries. As Brain Injury Awareness Month continues, the event underscores the importance of raising awareness and advocating for better care and resources for individuals impacted by both brain injury and interpersonal violence.
