The Brain Health Collective

The Brain Health Collective

Presenter(s)

Helen McCormick, Hannah Moore

Comments

3:00-4:15, Kennedy Union Ballroom

Description

The Brain Health Collective (BHC) was formed to address the growing need for education, research, and community outreach related to brain injuries and health. The BHC brings together leaders from education, healthcare, and community-based organizations to improve care coordination, prevention, and intervention strategies for individuals and families affected by neurological challenges. Almost 1 in 4 Ohioans will sustain at least one brain injury in their lifetime. Brain injuries, including concussions and other neurological issues such as stroke, brain cancer and “chemo brain,” dementia, and long-term COVID-19, can have wide-ranging and long-lasting physical, cognitive, and psychological effects. Individuals with persistent brain health challenges face an increased risk of housing instability, school failure, job loss, substance abuse, and heightened mental health needs. The cost of a brain injury can range up to $3 million over a person’s lifetime. These costs include medical care, mental health care, lost wages and productivity, and impact to family caregiver.Through strategic partnerships with local universities, agencies, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, educational service centers, foundations, and families, the BHC has developed a regional action plan. A 20-member advisory board and four workgroups guide our work:- Continuum of Care (Led by Goodwill Easterseals) – Improving access to a continuum of care and ensuring services for affected individuals, helping them return to school and work.- Professional Education (Led by Clark County Educational Service Center) – Training healthcare professionals, educators, and athletic personnel on brain health to better support children and families.- Applied Research (Led by Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association) – Conducting interdisciplinary research on community brain health needs, including mental health impacts and workforce reintegration.- Marketing, Awareness & Promotion (Led by Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board – Increasing public awareness through education campaigns and events, ensuring families have access to vital resources.

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Project Designation

Independent Research

Primary Advisor

Susan C. Davies

Primary Advisor's Department

Counselor Education

Keywords

Stander Symposium, School of Education and Health Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Community; Scholarship

The Brain Health Collective

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