Headway of WNY, Inc.

A support and advocacy agency
for individuals with brain injuries,
disabilities and seniors.

Veterans Information

Please check the Veterans Events Bulletin page for information about

events and activities taking place in Western New York.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Veterans

In partnership with the Service Collaborative of WNY, Inc. and as part of the Serve New York AmeriCorps VISTA program from 2013 - 2016, Headway developed initiatives which focus on helping Veterans in WNY with traumatic brain injuries and their families.

These initiatives remain current and further development is ongoing.

Our goal is to help veterans find the supports they need in order to manage their conditions and overcome obstacles to help engage with their community.

A TBI results from a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain and produces a diminished or altered state of consciousness. Categories for TBI are mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating. The most common form of TBI in the military is mild, also referred to as concussion.

TBI has been described as the signature wound of the Iraq and Afganistan wars and is a significant health issue that affects service members and Veterans.

For More Information, please contact us at:

716-408-3120

support@headwayofwny.org

History of the WNY IN SUPPORT OF VETERANS SYMPOSIUM Series

Over the course four years (2016 - 2019), Headway of WNY, People Inc. and Catholic Charities establised a Veterans Services Initiative and subsequently offered a focus group (2016) and four consecutive annual symposiums to help identify issues and needs of Veterans in WNY (with or without TBI and/or other cognitive difficulties).

Headway continues to reach out to Veterans organizations and partner with Veteran leaders and agencies in WNY that provide services for Veterans.

Over 170 people have attended these symposiums and the presenters have included a U.S. Army Colonel Reintegration specialist, board-certified Neuropsychologists, a NYS senator, licensed master social workers, certified practitioners of Emotional Freedom Techniques, Yoga and other alternative therapies, as well as representatives from Veteran's One Stop Center, Buffalo Vet Center, Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition on Mental Health, Horizon Village, and U.B. Primary Care Research Institute.

It is the intention of Headway of WNY to continue this successful symposium series. Our work in this area has identified further issues for our target group that we wish to address, including Suicide in the Veteran Community and reasons and solutions for Veterans who may be reluctant to access a variety of beneficial services in the WNY area.

The series of Veterans symposiums helped to identify and address issues for Veterans and their families who are living with brain injuries or other cognitive disorders.
It is our hope that the information shared has been helpful to WNY Veterans and that conversations ignited will lead to further discussions which address community needs.