Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts

09/04/2026

BIA-MA is pleased to offer our virtual Guest Lecture Series — bringing together expert speakers and real-life voices to offer practical strategies, fresh insights, and genuine community for survivors, families, and caregivers. Each presentation is designed to educate, inspire, and equip you with the tools to navigate life with brain injury.

Join us for "Pacing Your Plans", presented live and virtually by Alison Rheaume, taking place on Friday, 10/9/26 at 10:00 a.m. Click here to register: https://biama.org/event/guest-lecture-series-presentation-pacing-your-plans-virtual/.

09/03/2026

Join us from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 15 for the free educational workshop, “Time Management for Everyday Functioning.” This workshop is part of a bi-monthly series that offers education, support, and practical strategies for individuals with brain injuries and their care partners.

Facilitated by Amy Karas, speech-language pathologist, we’ll explore some of the cognitive, communication and social challenges impacted by brain injury and offer practical tips and strategies to enhance awareness and daily function.

To register for this workshop, please visit: https://biama.org/event/time-management-for-everyday-functioning-virtual-live-educational-workshop/

Visit biama.org/forcaregiversandsurvivors >educational workshops to learn more about our other great workshop offerings!

Questions? Please email: [email protected]

09/02/2026

Join us from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 22 for the free educational workshop, “Changes in Memory.” This workshop is part of a bi-monthly series that offers education, support, and practical strategies for individuals with brain injuries and their care partners.

Facilitated by Amy Karas, speech-language pathologist, we’ll explore some of the cognitive, communication and social challenges impacted by brain injury and offer practical tips and strategies to enhance awareness and daily function.

To register for this workshop, please visit: https://biama.org/event/changes-in-memory-virtual-live-educational-workshop/

Visit biama.org/forcaregiversandsurvivors >educational workshops to learn more about our other great workshop offerings!

Questions? Please email: [email protected]

09/02/2026

There’s something powerful about creating together. “Creative Corner” brings the brain injury community together - the 2nd Wednesday of each month - for an afternoon of artistic exploration, self-expression, and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just curious, you’re welcome here. Come as you are and leave with something made by you! Crafts will vary each month – we hope you will join us for this fun and relaxing recreational activity (which takes place in both the Westborough and Pittsfield Resource Centers)!

Visit biama.org/forcaregiversandsurvivors and click on “Recreation Activities” to register. Our next "Creative Corner" is taking place from 1-3 p.m., Wednesday, September 9

09/01/2026

Coming on the heels of the recent report we shared on CTE and football head trauma, Massachusetts high school coaches are emphasizing ways to teach and play the game as safely as possible.

Coaches are limiting contact during practices, teaching proper tackling techniques, and working to ensure that athletes with possible concussion symptoms don’t try to “tough it out.”

Football has the highest concussion rate among high school sports and tackling accounts for nearly two-thirds of concussions in high school football. MIAA rules limit player-to-player contact during the first week of practice, and many teams have significantly reduced or eliminated live tackling during practices.

One continuing concern is access to athletic trainers. While many Massachusetts schools have trainers at football practices, some—particularly smaller schools—do not. Athletic trainers can play a critical role in recognizing concussion symptoms, ensuring athletes are properly evaluated, and preventing a return to play too soon.

Some Massachusetts teams are also using Guardian Caps, soft-shell helmet coverings, during practices and scrimmages as another measure aimed at reducing the impact of contact.

As another high school sports season begins, protecting young athletes means continuing to reduce unnecessary head impacts, recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussion, and making sure athletes have the time and care they need to recover.

When in doubt, sit them out. https://ow.ly/w3um50ZGIaE

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

988 is always there. So is your local crisis system: mobile teams, stabilization centers, community clinics. Know and share what's available before you need it. Building awareness saves lives. Learn more about mobile crisis care: samhsa.gov/mental-health/988/faqs -crisis-care

08/31/2026

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a day to remember those who died from overdose and support those who are grieving.

It's also a day to act: by learning how to recognize and reverse an overdose; by sharing grief support resources; by using your voice to advocate for people who use drugs. Every action helps build supportive, stigma-free communities.

For harm reduction services, grief and family support, and treatment and recovery resources, visit https://helplinema.org/international-overdose-awareness-day-resources/. To get tailored referrals for yourself or a loved one, call or text "HOPE" to 800.327.5050 or visit HelplineMA.org.

08/31/2026

“Cere-Bration is a great way to celebrate one another’s progress on the brain injury road and to offer support and encouragement to each other.” – Gary & Lynne Brennan

Gary and his fellow Team G 2.0 members are returning for this year’s Cere-Bration Walk & Roll event on September 27. Check out his team’s spotlight on BIA-MA’s website: https://ow.ly/E6MH50ZHiqr

We are proud to have fundraising teams who have been joining us at Cere-Bration for many years. This year we are pleased to spotlight them as a thank you for their ongoing support for our community! If you are interested in having your team spotlighted, send an email to [email protected]

08/31/2026

Have you registered for the Cere-Bration Walk & Roll, yet? Don’t worry, there’s still time!

Join BIA-MA at 10 a.m., Sunday, September 27 at the Buzzards Bay Recreation Area along the Cape Cod Canal for this year’s event. Bring a team, a friend, or just yourself to this family-friendly fundraiser. Walk, roll, or even run the “out-and-back” 1-mile paved route along the canal. Event t-shirts, water, and snacks will be provided to all registered participants. This is a rain/shine event!

Cere-Bration registration fee is $10 for survivors, $25 for individuals. Register by the end of TODAY, August 31 to get your guaranteed t-shirt size. To register: https://biama.org/cerebration/

Online registration for Cere-Bration will close at 5 p.m. on September 24. However, walk-in registrations are welcome. Questions or need assistance? Please call our office, (508) 475-0032 or email: [email protected].