Tag Archives: Northwest Brain Injury Symposium
In Words and Pics: TBI and Mental Health Forum in Spokane
Mental health is critical to overall well-being.
More and more, the stigmas around mental health are being reduced, and more open, honest and important conversations are being had around the topic.
There were over 100 people were in attendance, while many more served as panelists, exhibitors, BEST team members, and volunteers.

For event organizer, BEST’s Nick Mehrnoosh, he was personally touched by the connections and support during the event.
“One of the many wonderful things about the symposium, is witnessing the engagement from the community,” says Mehrnoosh. “Sitting back and watching the event unfold, it was heartwarming to see people connecting with one another on various issues. Whether it was with regards to brain injury or mental health, the attendees were connecting with one another on a meaningful level.
While the panel discussion is the focus of these smaller symposiums, this time, the panel itself was specifically impactful for the audience. It was evident that members of the audience were on the edge of their seats, just waiting for a chance to gain some insight into the complexities that surround brain injury and mental health. Moreover, their questions towards the end of the panel discussion were more than just technical, they were deeply personal.”
Mehrnoosh also was struck by the notes of support and encouragement the brain injury community received.
“One individual, a brain injury survivor, told their story of struggling to balance their brain injury with the rigors of completing their Master’s in Social Work. The panelists did more than just answer the question, they took the time to provide encouragement, both during the panel and afterwards.”
Mehrnoosh, along with the rest of the BEST Team and volunteers, are deeply passionate about these symposiums.
“The whole reason we create and facilitate these symposiums is foster deeper connections within our community,” shares Mehrnoosh. “We passionately believe that lives can be changed through education, and we look forward to witnessing the symposium grow, with each passing event.”
We would like to thank the event panelists: Jonathan Anderson PhD from EWU College of Social Sciences, Frank Jackson DO from St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, Brian Shute PhD from Inland Speech Pathology & Therapeutics, and Amanda Salisbury MSW from Trauma Informed Therapies. You all provided outstanding insight into the intersection of brain injury and mental health. Thank you!
We also want to thank the resource exhibitors at last Tuesday’s event. The information about your organizations and your role as medical providers, caregivers, community support systems, and much more is beyond appreciated! Thank you, Brain Injury Alliance of Washington, Spokane Chapter, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, Kingfisher TMS, and Governor’s TBI Council of Washington.
Stay tuned for information about upcoming information about 2020 symposiums.
Spokane, WA: TBI and Mental Health Event November 5, 2019
Join us for as we host a speakers’ panel of experts to discuss the dynamic interactions between brain injury and mental health. Topics may include, but not limited to, community re-integration following an injury, the relationship between anxiety and depression on cognitive functioning, and structuring life to optimize success following a brain injury. The panel will also touch on the risks of suicidal ideation, addiction, homelessness and the importance of self-perception in finding your path after a brain injury.
The overlap between brain injury and adverse mental health can be extensive. While a brain injury can be an entirely separate issue, it may also exacerbate pre-existing mental health issues or instigate the development of new mental health conditions. Thus, a deeper understanding of these interactions might be useful to improving quality of life following a brain injury.
The event will begin at 5:00 PM, with the panel lecture starting promptly at 6:00 PM. Refreshments and opportunities to connect with various local resources, services, and other members of the community will be available.
The event is FREE and Open to the Public.
The Northwest Brain Injury Symposium lecture series is supported by the Spokane Public Library, Brain Energy Support Team, Governor’s TBI Council of Washington, and Eastern Washington University – CSS.
Event Details
Finding Your Path: Brain Injury and Mental Health
Location: Spokane Public Library – Downtown
Date: November 5th, 2019
Time: 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM, Panel Lecture @ 5:45 PM
Resource Fair: Begins at 5:00 PM
RVSP at nwbis.eventbrite.com
Questions? Email admin@nwbis.org
Recap: An Athlete’s Journey Sports and Traumatic Brain Injury
The Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) was honored to participate in the event, An Athlete’s Journey: Sports and Traumatic Brain Injury, held at the Spokane Public Library in Spokane, Washington on Tuesday, July 9, 2019. It was an evening of connecting, sharing, and important conversations about the impact of brain injury in the sports world.
Highlights of the evening included athletes who shared their personal stories and journey forward; a special screening of the video, Crash Course, from TeachAid.org, on athletes and concussion that was shared by the Concussion Alliance; expert panelists who shared their knowledge; and organizations who provided information, resources and tools to the community.
We’d like to offer our gratitude for the event panelists who were a wealth of information, inspiration and support. Thank you, Ryan Baker, Megan Lusk, Heidi Peterson, Christine Guzzardo, and Ramona Pinto.
BEST was also delighted to partner with event sponsors Northwest Brain Injury Symposium, the Spokane Public Library, Brain Injury Alliance of Washington, Spokane Chapter, Concussion Alliance, and the TBI Council of Washington.
Along with sharing our deep appreciation for the organizations that supported the event by sharing critical information and resources to the public.
St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute,
Tesla Injury Rehab and Pain Management Spokane,
Brain Injury Alliance of Washington, Spokane Chapter,
Many thanks to all of those who attended and shared in this special evening. We appreciated meeting and connecting with all of you!
Save the Dates: Summer Events
Here at the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST), we are so excited!
Take a sneak peek at some upcoming events this summer in July and August and get your calendars ready.
Here we go!
From our BEST friends HeadStrong and Outdoors for All, July 21, 2019 in Seattle:
July 21 – Adaptive Kayak Day with HeadStrong and Outdoors for All in Seattle
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Location: Magnuson Park • Picnic Shelter #2 • Seattle, WA
Accessible Kayaks • Picnic Lunch • Games
Youth, Adults, Families, and Siblings Welcome
Get out on the Water!
RSVP: info@headstrongforlife.org
The 6th Annual BEST/HeadStrong Picnic, August 18, 2019 in Federal Way, W
August 18 – 6th Annual HeadStrong and BEST Picnic and Kayak Day at
Dash Point State Park
Time: 12:00 to 4:00 pm
Location: Dash Point State Park • S2-Beach Parking Picnic Shelter
5700 SW Dash Point Rd • Federal Way, WA 98023
Potluck Picnic • Friends • Games • Beaches
Accessible Kayaking led by Outdoors for All
Stay tuned for our Facebook event page and RSVP info!
Sneak Peek: Summer 2019 Events
Here at the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST), we are so excited!
Take a sneak peek at some upcoming events this summer in July and August and get your calendars ready.
Here we go!
From our BEST friends HeadStrong and Outdoors for All, July 21, 2019 in Seattle:
July 21 – Adaptive Kayak Day with HeadStrong and Outdoors for All in Seattle
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Location: Magnuson Park • Picnic Shelter #2 • Seattle, WA
Accessible Kayaks • Picnic Lunch • Games
Youth, Adults, Families, and Siblings Welcome
Get out on the Water!
RSVP: info@headstrongforlife.org
The 6th Annual BEST/HeadStrong Picnic, August 18, 2019 in Federal Way, W
August 18 – 6th Annual HeadStrong and BEST Picnic and Kayak Day at
Dash Point State Park
Time: 12:00 to 4:00 pm
Location: Dash Point State Park • S2-Beach Parking Picnic Shelter
5700 SW Dash Point Rd • Federal Way, WA 98023
Potluck Picnic • Friends • Games • Beaches
Accessible Kayaking led by Outdoors for All
Stay tuned for our Facebook event page and RSVP info!