Hello!

My name is Margaret Good, and I serve as the Development Manager at Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley (BICSV), a 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting individuals across eight counties in the Shenandoah Valley. I strongly oppose the proposed changes to the provider requirements for the Brain Injury Services Targeted Brain Injury Supplement.

For nearly 20 years, BICSV has been a dedicated advocate and service provider for brain injury patients. Our specialized focus on this population allows us to deliver person-centered case management tailored to the unique challenges faced by brain injury survivors. Our expertise is grounded in continuous education, training, and a deep understanding of brain injury’s impact on individuals and families.

The proposed expansion to include agencies licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) would undermine this specialized approach. While Community Service Boards (CSBs) are critical partners in addressing mental health, housing, and substance use, their resources are spread across a wide range of populations. Compared to BICSV, CSBs lack the concentrated expertise needed to address the specific needs of brain injury survivors fully.

This change risks turning a partnership into competition, which could weaken the support system that clients currently rely on. Moreover, BICSV’s case management program serves all individuals with brain injuries—both traumatic and acquired. Broadening provider requirements could lead to disparities, leaving some individuals, particularly those with acquired brain injuries, without adequate support.

Additionally, our specialized focus ensures that clients receive timely care with minimal wait times. CSBs, valuable as they are, often face longer waitlists, potentially creating gaps in critical services for brain injury survivors.

I urge you to maintain the current provider requirements, which ensure that brain injury survivors continue to receive the high-quality, specialized care they need and deserve. The partnership between BICSV and CSBs has been effective because of each organization’s distinct strengths. Let’s not jeopardize that by creating unnecessary overlap and competition.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for prioritizing the well-being of brain injury survivors in Virginia.

Sincerely,
Margaret Good
Development Manager
Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley