Day Recognized At Headstrong Conference

Dr. Gordon Day recently presented and was recognized at the National Headstrong Conference on the work Aspiro and Wilderness Adventure Therapy has been doing over the years to treat the effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries. Below is Dr. Day's most recent article on this topic.

Aspiro has been working with several Traumatic Brain Injury cases over the past few years with very encouraging success. These students have gained significant problem solving, frustration management, relationship, communication and other life skills through their experience. Desiree Douglass, CEO and Founder of Headstrong for Life, a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) support group in the Seattle, Washington area has been supporting families as their loved ones participate in the Aspiro program. This past summer, Ms. Douglass invited me to co-facilitate Crisis Intervention Training with law enforcement officers and mental health workers in the Seattle, Washington area.

I was impressed with the dedication of these fine officers and mental health care professionals. They were hungry for information and training that would help them do their jobs. One thing I learned was that, with training budgets almost nonexistent in many municipalities, law enforcement organizations often rely on the voluntary efforts of community professionals for training. They were very grateful for our training and advice on de-escalation tactics that are helpful for people with TBI.

One officer made a heartbreakingly stark observation. "It is becoming clear that law enforcement is the only safety net these people have. We are the ones who get called when things are really falling apart. We know these folks need treatment, but they can't afford it. We know that being arrested and put into the system is not the best thing for these folks, but we have a duty to protect society. So our jails and holding facilities are now the defacto mental health care system... and of course we can't really provide the treatment these folks need."

The statistics on head injuries are staggering...

An estimated 5.3 million Americans - greater than 2 percent of the U.S. population - are currently living with the effects of TBI.

TBI is the leading cause of death and disability for Americans under 45

Risk of TBI is highest among adolescents, young adults, and those older than 75

After one brain injury, the risk for a second injury is three times greater; after the second injury, the risk for a third injury is eight times greater.

TBI is being referred to as the "signature wound" of soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The effects of TBI from mechanical injury and indirect "blast injuries" is significant complicating factor in the already complicated post traumatic stress these returning soldiers are facing.

In fact, recent research suggests TBI is potentially the biggest factor interfering with PTSD recovery in returning soldiers.

Very large organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and the National Football League as well as youth sports organizations are recognizing the risks, long term effects and chronic disability as a result of TBI, including concussions.

Those in jails or other holding facilities are at significant risk for TBI while incarcerated.

Often, survivors of TBI do not have any obvious or observable physical injuries. However, the behavioral and emotional sequela from TBI put survivors at risk for increased mental health, social, occupational and relationship problems as well as increased risk for interaction with law enforcement. Recent neurological research on neuro-plasticity is making it clear that recovery from TBI takes place over years. The experiences of the individual recovering from TBI have significant impact on long-term function and recovery.

For more severe TBI, initially, victims and their loved ones are engrossed in the daily struggle for survival and hopeful return of basic neurological function. Victims often have to learn to walk and talk and perform other basic tasks all over again. They are often financially devastated by the initial costs of medical care and neurological rehabilitation. After a year or so of rehabilitation, the significant emotional, personality and impulse control problems that are left after initial recovery and rehabilitation become obvious.

How can you help?

Support and contribute to local and national organizations that provide support and treatment for those suffering from TBI.

Be brain aware. Use helmets. Make your kids and students wear helmets. Teach brain awareness and brain safety to your children and students.

If you suspect you or a loved one or someone in your care has suffered a concussion, seek medical evaluation. Make sure they have fully recovered before engaging in activities with risk of concussion.

Support youth team organizations, coaches and referees in protecting the brains of participants. Support athletes and their coaches in allowing recovery before returning to sports. Put brain safety ahead of winning.

Look out for those who have brain injuries. If you have a family member, neighbor or friend struggling with these issues, provide support. Help them get help. Watch for crises and look for ways to intervene before it is too late.

Aspiro Group family of programs are based on a Wilderness Adventure Therapy (WAT) model. The Aspiro family of programs are a hybrid between traditional wilderness therapy, and adventure programs such as Outward Bound or NOLS.