Aging and Long Term Support Administration Updates
Information, Referral, Resources
Information and Referral (I&R) provides information about services and assists in connecting with the supportive resources and services.
Resources for you and your community!
WA211 provides TBI I&R Services. Free & confidential. Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 211-9274
WA211 Information & Referral - Help is just a contact away - Video
Call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for help during a crisis, emotional support, referrals, and resources.
Teen Link is a program of Crisis Connections that serves youth in Washington State. Volunteers are trained to listen to your concerns and talk with you about whatever’s on your mind. Dial (866) 833-6546 a helpline for teens by teens.
Partnership Highlight
Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)
Do you know about the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)?
FCSP is a service available to unpaid caregivers of adults needing care and living in Washington. There are local FCSP offices throughout the state staffed with caring and knowledgeable people who can help you:
Find local resources and services
Find caregiver support groups and counseling
Get training on specific caregiving topics
Get respite care if you need a break
Talk through specific issues you are having and offer caregiving suggestions
Generally, these services are offered free or at low cost. Certain eligibility requirements may apply and availability varies from community to community.
Find the telephone number and your local Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP).
Why would you contact them?
Providing unpaid care to a family member or friend can be emotionally and physically draining and can be an isolating time. Staff with the FCSP program can provide information, support, and services that can be a lifesaving resource. Find the local FCSP.
Find more Caregiver Resources here!
Community Connections
Have a brain? Let's talk about March, Brain Injury Awareness Month!
Anyone with a brain should care, and be aware, about the potential for a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Someone in the United States sustains a brain injury every nine seconds – with 176 TBI-related deaths every day (source: CDC).
March is Brain Injury Awareness month, and this year Washington state celebrates 17 years of TBI support, research and advocacy through its Traumatic Brain Injury Council. With 25 members from public and private sectors, the TBI Council partners with and advises Washington Department of Social and Health Services and other agencies to:
Spread awareness and education about TBI and prevention
Identify and advise on needs and gaps in TBI services, resources and programs
Create partnerships and coordinate across public/private sectors
Last fiscal year (July 2023 – June 2024), the TBI Council reached these milestones:
15,498 people called 2-1-1 and were connected to 62,550 TBI-related community resources
30,000+ participants at 112 Washington Safe Kids community events
158 virtual support groups sessions for people living with TBI, paid/unpaid caregivers, medical providers and veterans
700+ people in the corrections system given access to TBI resources, screening and support groups
6000+ people completed Return to School curriculum
But there is more work to do. Brain injuries can often be prevented.
Brain Injury Awareness Month is the perfect time to spread awareness about prevention, screening and long-term support:
Protect your head. Wear a helmet during activities such as biking or skateboarding.
Wear your seatbelt and don’t drive impaired. Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of TBI, especially for teen drivers.
Prevent falls. Falls are a leading cause of TBI for older adults. Keep your home safe from tripping hazards, be careful with medicines and check in with your doctor to evaluate your fall risk.
Keep kids safe. Safety at home can be window guards or safety gates. Helmets and proper gear on the sporting field. Attend an upcoming Safe Kids event.
Screening is key. If you think you or someone you love has experienced a TBI, seek out proper screening from a medical professional to get the best care needed.
TBI Support Groups are key to connection, educational resources, peer/community support and belonging. Washington state has free, online support groups for those with a TBI, caregivers and providers, veterans and more.
Have a TBI? Call 2-1-1 and get connected to a highly trained community resource specialist who can listen to your story and refer you to the best TBI-related resources in your area. Learn more about WA 211 and TBI support.
Want to know more about Brain Injury Awareness Month?
🧠 Learn more about National Brain Injury Conference and Awareness Day on March 3-5, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
🧠 Connect with the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA), which advocates for federal resources and facilitates important partnerships between agencies for greater awareness around brain injury. See what NASHIA up to on Brain Injury Awareness Day 2025!
Find Your Balance with Falls Prevention Resources!
Finding Our Balance: Prevent Slips, Trips & Stumbles
Falls Prevention Resources are available here:
5 Simple Ways to Reduce the Risk of Falls
Falls Prevention Exercise Programs
Home Modifications
Preventing Falls and Traumatic Brain Injury
Talk to Your Doctor
Finding our Balance Flyer (about our Fall Prevention program)
No-Cost Grab Bars Applications
A new DSHS/ALTSA grant will provide at no cost to Fire/EMS and hospitals, or community-based organizations that are partnering with Fire/EMS or hospitals on this project. Grab bars are to be installed in the homes of low-income adults 60+ yrs., this grant doesn't cover the cost of installation.
To apply for bars, please download and complete Grab Bar Application Form. Submit to: findingourbalance@doh.wa.gov
Forward2Gether Veteran & Military Family Peer Group
Join the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs - Brain Injury & Recovery Program for the Forward2Gether Veteran & Military Families Peer Group!
The Brain Injury Peer Group assists participants in overcoming obstacles by providing experienced guidance and encouraging general problem-solving abilities. The Peer Groups will also provide opportunities to connect with local resources through the monthly Resource Program Spotlight. The event will take place every 2nd Tuesday.
All Veterans, Active Duty, Military Families and their Caregivers are Welcome!
Starting Next Week: Growing Seeds of Hope
Explore the Science of Hope with the Clallam Resilience Project, Port Angeles School District, and the College Success Foundation!
Hope is not simply a wish. It is something we can measure, apply and grow in our communities. This series of three virtual information-sharing sessions is designed to inspire and inform professionals and community members from Clallam and Jefferson Counties. Attendees will gain an understanding of the Science of Hope's three core components and its framework.
First Three Tuesdays in March: March 4th, 11th, and 18th from 4:00-5:00pm.
Click Here to Register & Attend on Zoom
Reminder: WA Traffic Safety Commission School Zone Grants Open
Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s School Zone Crossing Guard Grants are open for applications. $300 to $500 grants are available for school zone crossing programs at elementary and middle schools. These funds can cover expenses for training materials, equipment, and supplies needed for these programs. Applications are accepted through April 30, 2025.
Upcoming Events
March 5, 11am - 12:30pm PT: Kitsap Brain Injury Support Group
In person at the Skookum Building located at 4525 Auto Center Way, Bremerton, WA 98312. Email contact@kitsapbraininjury.org for more information!
March 5, 3 - 4pm PT: Kadlec Neurological Resource Center TBI Support Group
Kadlec Neurological Resource Center offers a variety of support groups that provide both education and support. The TBI support group takes place the first Wednesday of each month. Some support groups meet off-site or virtually. For more information or to sign up, call 509-943-8455 or send an email to knrc@kadlec.org.
March 6, 9 - 10:30am PT: Driving Equity in Behavioral Health: A Leadership Panel Discussion
The behavioral health field is evolving rapidly, presenting new opportunities and challenges for practitioners, leaders, organizations and the people who receive services. Join this panel of seasoned behavioral health leaders in a series led by the UW Medicine Behavioral Health Institute at Harborview!
March 11, 5:30 - 7:00pm PT: Forward2Gether Veteran & Military Family Peer Group
In person at the Elks Lodge #1181 at 4131 Pine Rd NE, Bremerton 98310. Contact Heather Bahme at heather.bahme@dva.wa.gov or click here to learn more!
March 12, 11 - 12pm PT: WA Cares Conversations: Aging & Nutrition Webinar
ASL interpretation and live captioning will be available. This WA Cares Conversation will cover an overview of the WA Cares Fund and how it can help, the relationship between aging and nutrition, why nutrition is important as you age, food insecurity among seniors, and nutrition education and resources. Register here!
March 17, 3:30 - 4:30pm PT: Bicycle Buses and Student Transportation
Register here to join WSDOT Safe Routes to School for Bike Bus Training with Sam Balto! Sam will explain different models of bike trains, how to recruit parent volunteers, and pro tips for safe and smooth operations!
March 18, 4 - 5:30pm PT: Imaginal Network Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group
In person meeting at Good Shepherd Center at 4649 Sunnyside Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Contact Janet at janet@imaginal.network or 206-547-2526 for more info!
March 19, 12 - 1pm PT: Health for Health Care Professionals: Taking Care of Yourself As You Care For Others
Washington State Department of Health’s Power of Providers (POP) initiative invites you to participate in an upcoming webinar series focused on behavioral health support for health care professionals. The series will begin with Health for Health Care Professionals: Taking Care of Yourself as You Care for Others and features Washington’s prominent disaster psychologist, Dr. Kira Mauseth. This is part one of a three-part series. Visit POP's webinar page for more information on the rest of the series.
March 24, 12 - 1:30pm PT: Imaginal Network Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group
Contact Janet at janet@imaginal.network or 206-547-2526 for the Zoom link!
March 24, 3 - 4pm PT: Confluence Health Stroke & Brain Injury Support Group
In person at the Confluence Health Sleep Center Conference Room. Contact sophie.gresh@confluencehealth.org for more info. Caregivers welcome! Takes place the fourth Monday of each month!
March 25, 3 - 4pm PT: St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Center Brain Injury Virtual Support Groups
Contact slrsupportgroups@providence.org and notify that you want to attend at least 48 hours prior to the to the meeting. You will receive an email with additional information and instructions on how to join. Takes place the fourth Tuesday each month!
April 3, 6am - 1:30pm PT: 2025 ECHO Autism Communities Symposium
Register here to attend this free symposium bringing experts and participants together on services, access, care, and advocacy within the autism community!
July 15-17, 2025: Save the Date: Washington Traffic Safety Summit
Washington’s roads should be safe for everyone—yet too many lives are lost in preventable crashes. Attend the Washington Traffic Safety Summit in Spokane, Washington, to explore the Safe System Approach, a proven strategy for eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. This event brings together planners, officials, law enforcement, public health professionals, and safety advocates to collaborate on innovative solutions. Learn from national and local experts, share insights, and help shape a safer future for all road users. Register today and be part of the movement to save lives!
Ongoing
Want to learn more about the Intersections of Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury, Oppression, and Racism?
Check out the Intersections of Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury, Oppression, and Racism series from the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) eLearning Network!
Struggling with Caregiver Burnout? Need someone to relate?
Check out Washington Caregiving Journey and find Caregiving Support Groups here!
Check out the TBI Council's updated Comprehensive Statewide Plan here!
Every two years, the Council and its staff collaborate with strategic partners and stakeholders to update the plan and submit to the state legislature.
Connect, Educate, and Engage with WA TBI Virtual Support Groups!
The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Strategic Partnership Advisory Council of Washington State provides Support Groups through the Department of Social and Health Services that emphasize connection, education, and engagement in life after sustaining a TBI.
Virtual Support Groups are free and are predicated on the concept of a person-centered approach that can aid in the development of long-term knowledge and generic problem-solving skills to help attendees overcome barriers to sustaining a fulfilling life.
Click on the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Groups webpage to register for upcoming support groups on:
Living with TBI
TBI Support for Family & Friends
TBI Support for Young Adults
TBI Support for Accident Survivors
TBI Support for Veterans
TBI Support for Caregivers & Providers
These Support Groups may provide a therapeutic effect, but they do not provide therapy and instead focus on delivering organized bodies of knowledge and resources for the betterment of attendees.
Need Wi-Fi to access a Virtual Support Group? Find free drive-in WiFi hotspots!
Your Voice Matters!
Share Your Questions with about brain injury with The Center on Brain Injury Research and Training
Are you navigating the complexities of brain injury—whether as a caregiver, educator, or someone on the recovery journey? If you have a question about brain injury, we want to hear from you!
We want to know your questions on brain injury. Possible topics include:
💡 supporting a loved one as a caregiver
💡 effective return to learn/play strategies for students
💡 effective return to work strategies
💡 policy and advocacy for individuals impacted by brain injury
Here’s how it works:
👉 Submit your question through the Google Form here: https://forms.gle/gvJhV7o86AsCQ1Zv6
👉 We’ll share the questions we receive with experts in the field of brain injury. It may be several weeks before we get a response.
No question is too small or too big—your input can spark meaningful conversations and provide valuable resources for others facing similar challenges. Fill out the form today and join us in creating a space for education, understanding, and support.
Don't forget to...
Visit the TBI Events Portal to register for Building Capacity in Brain Injury conference workshops and access past recordings. New workshop recordings available now!
Learn with Safe Kids WA to keep kids safe with practical tips for parents and caregivers to prevent children from getting hurt!
Check out TBI Skill Builder WA to develop skills working with TBI with trauma informed person-centered care and practices!
Explore the TBI Resources and Workbook for information, resources, journal prompts, and more!
Check out Three Ways to Connect – Dial 911, 988, 211 to Get Support - Video to better understand the inter-relationship with 911-988-211!
Opportunities to Serve!
Explore and share Current and Upcoming Gubernatorial Appointment Opportunities!
Anyone interested in being appointed will need to fill out this Application. Check out the Boards and Commissions Profiles if you are interested in learning more about the TBI Council or any of the many opportunities to get involved! Reach out to Boards and Commissions staff at GovernorBoardsandCommissions@gov.wa.gov with any questions you might have.