National Association of State Head Injury Administrators - NASHIA

10/30/2026

Too often, state service systems are structured around programs and policies rather than people, creating gaps in care and support for individuals living with brain injury.

NASHIA offers targeted consultation and training to help state systems and partner organizations adopt person-first, survivor-oriented practices. These tailored technical assistance services equip professionals across sectors to better understand and meet the needs of the individuals they serve.

If your team is ready to build a stronger, more person-centered system, we’re here to help.
👉 Learn more:https://www.nashia.org/technical-assistance

10/29/2026

NASHIA, with funding from The Grassroots Project, is pleased to share a new seven-part video series focused on Medicaid advocacy.

Medicaid policies can significantly affect whether people with brain injury can access the services and supports they need. However, the policymaking process can often feel complicated or difficult to navigate. This series makes advocacy more approachable by explaining key Medicaid issues, introducing practical ways to participate, and showing how lived experience and data can help influence decisions.

The videos emphasize an important message: You do not need to be a policy expert to be an effective advocate. Whether you share your story, submit public comments, participate on an advisory council, contact a legislator, or use data to raise awareness, your perspective can help shape better policies.

Special thanks to key contributors Eric Washington, a brain injury advocate, Derek Fales, Associate Director, Developmental Disabilities and Brain Injury Services in Maine, and Evan Folan, a brain injury advocate.

Get Access in NASHIA's Resource Library: https://www.nashia.org/resources-list/how-bi-advocates-can-engage-with-medicaid-policy

10/29/2026

ICYMI...NASHIA was excited to join our partners with the Link Center, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (Nasddds), and NADDMHID, in announcing the release of a new groundbreaking publication, "Cross-System Strategies to Support Children with Complex Behavioral Health Conditions," authored by Nancy Thaler with contributions from Stacy L. Nonnemacher, PhD. This important resource responds directly to one of the most urgent challenges facing states and families: how to better support children with complex behavioral health needs who are often served across multiple systems, including behavioral health, child welfare, Medicaid, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, education, and juvenile justice.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1SUPxGhYie/

Now released: Cross-System Strategies to Support Children with Complex Behavioral Health Conditions.

This national publication from The Link Center highlights real policy and program strategies states are using to strengthen systems of care and provides a practical framework others can adapt and scale. Led by Nasddds with NADD: an association for persons with developmental disabilities and mental health needs, NASMHPD & NASHIA.

Download the publication:https://www.nasddds.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NASDDD26_Link-Center-Report_DIGITAL-1-final.pdf

10/29/2026

Congrats to NASHIA Members Cortland Nesley and Jeremy Dixon on their recognition!

10/28/2026

A major milestone for brain injury awareness and care: the first international consensus recommendations for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in first responders are now published. Developed by an interdisciplinary team of researchers, clinicians, first responders, people with lived experience, and policy and organizational experts, this work establishes an important foundation for recognizing, treating, and preventing brain injuries among law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel.

NASHIA contributed brain injury subject matter expertise as co-authors and helped design and facilitate the Delphi consensus process that brought experts together to develop and refine the recommendations.

Those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our communities deserve the knowledge, resources, and systems needed to protect their own health and safety. These recommendations are an important step toward ensuring that first responders can access timely care, recover safely, and return to duty when they are ready.

Access the consensus resource on NASHIA's website: https://www.nashia.org/resources-list/consensus-statement-tbi-first-responders

10/28/2026

Building resilient state infrastructure: What is your agency’s top priority? 🧠🏛️⚖️

When designing or strengthening state-level brain injury infrastructure, many public sector leaders choose to focus on critical cross-system intersections—such as embedding cognitive screening and accommodation protocols into domestic and intimate partner violence (IPV) programs.

Through NASHIA’s Leading Practices Academy (LPA), you don't just learn theory—you apply public sector leadership frameworks directly to the state challenge that matters most to your jurisdiction.

Why state leaders choose the LPA program:
🔹 Custom Focus Areas: While many participants choose to build capacity around IPV, criminal justice diversion, or housing, you select the specific policy or program focus your state needs most.
🔹 Practical Infrastructure Blueprints: Learn how to navigate interagency alignment, waiver integration, and sustainable funding mechanics.
🔹 Peer Leadership Cohort: Work alongside state administrators, lead agency staff, and policy directors facing similar systems-building challenges nationwide.

Whether your priority is cross-system IPV collaboration, Medicaid expansion, or state advisory board development, LPA equips you with the administration tools to move from strategy to implementation.

🔗 Learn more about the LPA program and apply today: https://www.nashia.org/lpa-main

10/27/2026

NASHIA is thrilled to welcome our newest subscriber to the Online Brain Injury Screening and Support System (OBISSS) Program! 🎉

The plans to deploy the OBISSS throughout many community-based settings, and is starting with a focus in domestic/intimate partner violence.

Thank you for joining us in making a difference! 💙 Want to get access to OBISSS in your state? Learn more about OBISSS here: www.nashia.org/obisssprogram

10/27/2026

Join us this Thursday!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19ftUKNULf/

Up to 90% of IPV survivors have sustained at least one brain injury, with many experiencing repeated injuries that go unrecognized and untreated.

Registration is officially OPEN for NASHIA’s upcoming specialized training - Hidden Harms: Recognizing and Responding to Brain Injury in Intimate Partner Violence.

This expert-led virtual session is designed for state agency administrators, justice system professionals, victim advocates, and healthcare providers seeking actionable pathways to identify and support survivors navigating these complex, overlapping systems.

Key takeaways from this training:
🔹 Identify the Mechanics of Trauma: Understand how repetitive head trauma, hypoxic events, and strangulation impact cognitive function and behavioral health.
🔹 Apply trauma-informed strategies to identify potential signs of brain injury and improve interactions, service delivery, and support for survivors of intimate partner violence.
🔹 Identify evidence-based resources and implement practical accommodations and referral strategies that promote recovery and improve access.

Equip your team with the tools needed to expose these hidden harms and build responsive care pathways.

🔗 Secure your spot and register today: https://www.nashia.org/trainings/hidden-harms

10/26/2026

Inside track: What NASHIA members are tackling in October’s Member Learning Session 🔒🧠🏛️

In this month’s exclusive Member Learning Session, NASHIA members are gathering behind closed doors for a high-value briefing on three critical priorities shaping state brain injury infrastructure:

Inside this members-only session:
🔒 Job Retention Support Using AI: Practical strategies and frameworks for state lead agencies to use technology to help individuals with disabilities maintain meaningful employment post-injury.
🔒 TBI Act Legislative Update: A direct briefing on the current status of the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act and what upcoming policy developments mean for your state.
🔒 Publication Review: A guided walkthrough of NASHIA’s latest publications, resources, and tools.

Members - check your inbox for your calendar invite!

If your state team or organization isn't in this room, you're missing out on the essential policy updates and operational blueprints driving state brain injury supports.

Learn more about NASHIA membership: https://www.nashia.org/membership

10/26/2026

If you caught our last post, you know that NASHIA has moved the start date of our dedicated Community of Practice (CoP) to February to add flexibility for your program!

But did you know this isn't just a one-size-fits-all webinar? We’ve designed three tiers of technical assistance to meet you exactly where you are:

🔹 Tier 1: Foundational Support – Bimonthly group sessions to build your core knowledge.
🔹 Tier 2: Blended Support – A mix of group learning and state-specific guidance.
🔹 Tier 3: Intensive Support – Fully customized technical assistance tailored to your specific system’s goals.

Whether you are just starting to screen for brain injury or you’re ready to overhaul your resource facilitation, there is a seat at the table for you. Join a national network of peers and experts dedicated to bridging the gap between behavioral health and brain injury.

📅 Sessions run February - July 2027
🔗 Learn more and secure your spot here: https://www.nashia.org/trainings/ccbhc-cop