My name is Jess Damico and I am a client with Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley. I am writing to voice my objection to the proposed changes to the Provider Requirements of the Brain Injury Services Targeted Brain Injury Supplement. 

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley is a very respected non-profit in our community. The people that work there are highly trained and complete ongoing education pertaining to all things “brain injury”. 

I am close with this non-profit as I have had a Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, which caused me to have three strokes at the age of 34. This happened to me two years ago. My case manager is great as she really takes the time to get to know EVERYONE personally. No two brain injuries are the same. Everyone is quite unique. 

Whenever I have an issue or need assistance, she knows exactly what to do or who to see. She will be on the phone for me for hours just to try and get an application pushed through for what I need. This is what she’s like with all of the clients of Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley. 

Without them and their knowledge of brain injuries, I would feel so lost. But because of their support and understanding, they have truly helped me find the way. 

Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley is beneficial to the brain injury community, because once again, they have that knowledge to “get it.” Each person is handled uniquely, and we meet twice a month and increase our own knowledge of brain injuries and how things like “neuroplasticity” work. Not only do they care for us separately, but they bring us together to broaden our own social network and be around people who have sustained injuries to their brain. 

When I first had my injury, I was broken, bald, badly bruised, and I could barely speak. I stayed home all of the time. When my case manager reached out to me, I was a little hesitant. But after some time with getting to know each other and with the case manager listening to what my needs were, I started to warm up a little. After a few months I finally went to an in-person support group where I could meet others with a brain injury. It took a couple of these sessions and then I became a chatterbox. They truly helped me come out of my shell. 

I feel as though I have been explaining a little of what the case manager does, but there’s so much more to add. When you have certain needs, such as needing transportation, needing assistance reading or writing, needing help with opening things with one working arm, even needing medical equipment; these case managers are on it trying to find things, or get you set up with a transportation service. They even help on the financial aspect of things; I won’t dive into this one, but they are right there. They work with you personally and go over goals you have and work with you to achieve those goals. They meet with us individually every month to see what our needs are, and they make it happen. They have a virtual meeting with the whole group and teach us a specific topic for that month, and this is helpful for those who don’t enjoy being around a lot of people or even for those who can’t drive. They have an in-person group meeting once a month and we either plant small gardens, make door signs, and do so many other things to help us use our imagination and think creatively. They are even there as an ear to talk to on the phone. Whatever your troubles are, they are right there. 

I want all of this to hit home with you and make it VERY clear that Brain Injury Connections of the Shenandoah Valley’s position is that the Brain Injury Services Targeted Brain Injury Supplement NOT expand their Provider Requirements to include agencies licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). You can read what this group has done for me and my family. I cannot think of any other agency who would take that time with each client. For those with a brain injury, being with someone who is licensed/certified in all things brain injury related, and a caring individual to add, is crucial for our overall well-being and recovery during the most critical time. 

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Jess Damico