Minnesota Stroke Association

Ways the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance and Minnesota Stroke Association Can Be a Part of a Support Group Meeting

The Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance and Minnesota Stroke Association have a variety of programs and activities that are able to travel to support groups throughout the state. Below are descriptions of different sessions that could be arranged.

Basic informational session with Q&A

  • This session would provide an overview of the free supports and programs offered by MSA/MNBIA and an opportunity to ask questions about general supports and services for stroke/brain injury.

Brain Injury Basics/Stroke Basics education session

  • Our Education and Outreach department regularly do these sessions for the public but it can be arranged to have a session done just with your support group. There are 4 'Basics' classes that can be chosen.
    • Brain Injury Basics - simple overview of the brain's anatomy and what happens when it get injured
    • Stroke Basics - simple overview of the brain's anatomy and what happens when a stroke occurs and prevention measures
    • Adjustment after Brain Injury (this class is for both brain injury and stroke) - Quick overview of brain anatomy followed by discussion on emotional changes, grief, and coping skills
    • Caregiving and Brain Injury (this class is for both brain injury and stroke) - Quick overview of brain anatomy followed by discussion on the role of caregivers, enhancing quality of life for the care giver and receiver, and dignity of risk
  • There are also other variations of Brain Injury Basics that can be done with special request
  • Contact the Education and Outreach Coordinator, Alec with questions.

Advocacy

  • We have a robust Citizen Advocate program where people with Brain Injuries and Strokes are able make their voices heard and participate in the political process.
  • The availability of some of these sessions is dependent on time of year and the political cycle. We are a non-patrician organization and do not endorse candidates or political parties.
    • How to Tell your Story Training - Things move fast in politics, this training helps teach participants how to concisely talk about who they are, what they are struggling with, and what they would like to see done. This is taught in the context of speaking to policy makers but can be applied to many areas of life.
    • Voter Education - People with brain injuries and strokes have the right to vote! This session talks about basic voting rights, how to register to vote, and tips on researching candidates.
    • Town Hall Forum - We set up a group meeting with legislators from your area and give you the opportunity to share your story and opinions about policies that impact you. We also help provide the structure and can do a mini version of the 'How to tell your story' training.

Unmasking Brain Injury in Minnesota
The Unmasking Brain Injury in Minnesota project is an art-based activity that allows for those who have had some type of brain injury or stroke to be able to make a symbol of their experience through decorating a paper mask. ABSOLUTELY NO ARTISTIC SKILL IS REQUIRED!

  • We have staff that will facilitate a mask-making event where we bring art supplies and guide the process while, you provide the space and people to participate. We can also help you with getting the masks mounted so you can display them at your meeting location.
  • Another Unmasking related activity for Support groups to do would be to have a group viewing of the Unmasking Brain Injury in Minnesota documentary and have a group discussion about it afterwards.
           Watch the Unmasking Brain Injury in Minnesota (runtime is 1 hour, 11 minutes)
  • Learn more about the Unmasking Brain Injury in Minnesota here

Many of these can be arranged to happen in person or virtual, contact our Public Relations Associate, Katrina, to discuss options if interested in having your group be a part of any of these sessions.