[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 16, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE BRAIN INJURY CENTER OF VENTURA COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 16, 2016

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, in conjunction with Brain 
Injury Awareness Month, I rise to recognize the Brain Injury Center of 
Ventura County, an organization wholeheartedly dedicated to raising 
awareness, providing support and resources to survivors and caregivers 
impacted by brain injury.
   Beginning as a grassroots organization in 1995, the Brain Injury 
Center of Ventura County has grown into an outstanding network that 
supports an estimated 16,000 people living with traumatic brain injury 
in Ventura County, as well as thousands of stroke survivors with 
acquired brain injuries.
   Through far-reaching and impactful community outreach efforts, the 
Brain Injury Center of Ventura County provides education and awareness 
about the organization's programs, services and brain injury prevention 
information. In 2015 alone, the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County 
assisted more than 800 survivors and caregivers to re-establish life 
after brain injury and develop strategies to build social skills, as 
well as provide support to families and caregivers.
   Today, the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County is collaborating 
with community healthcare partners, including the Ventura County 
Medical Center's Trauma Department, to launch the ``Care Transitions 
Demonstration Project.'' This initiative will allow the Brain Injury 
Center of Ventura County to support severe brain injury survivors from 
the point of trauma through post hospital discharge. The Brain Injury 
Center of Ventura County also works diligently to provide information 
to patients with mild to moderate brain injuries and concussions in 
emergency rooms.
   Moreover, the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County has helped 
caregivers develop strategies to meet their personal goals and deal 
with the challenges in the caregiver-survivor relationship. Some of the 
organization's services and programs include support groups, courses in 
social skills and vocational skills, internships, and referral 
assistance for medical specialists, neuro assessments, counseling, 
rehabilitation, housing, transportation, employment, financial 
planning, education and so much more.
   For the organization's extensive history and work to improve the 
quality of life for all individuals impacted by brain injury and their 
significant efforts and contributions to provide support, resources and 
awareness for brain injury survivors and caregivers throughout the 
region, I am honored to recognize the Brain Injury Center of Ventura 
County.

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