For Support: (504) 982-0685
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About biala

The Voice of Help, Hope & Healing

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our mission is to be the statewide resource for those impacted by brain and/or spinal cord injuries. Because of our proven efforts in advocacy, awareness, education, prevention, and services, we are the organization that professionals, families, and individuals living with brain and/or spinal cord injuries turn to for help, hope, and healing. Proudly, we are the only organization of our kind statewide. In 2011, BIALA became affiliated with the Brain Injury Association of America, the country’s oldest and largest nationwide brain injury advocacy organization. In 2015, we became the state’s exclusive affiliate/ chapter of the United Spinal Association, a national organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and/or disorders. These affiliations are meaningful because they broaden our commitment and ability to assist those impacted by brain and/or spinal cord injuries.

We are supported, in part, by the Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund Program, which was created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1993 with Act 654. This program was created to provide services in a flexible, individualized manner to Louisiana citizens who survive traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries. Act 654 also authorizes the establishment of a resource center for persons with these disabilities. BIALA was selected as the state’s resource center.

Our traumatic brain injury/spinal cord injury organization connects individuals throughout Louisiana through the numerous programs and services we offer, while also providing a helpline for direct support, and a comprehensive online resource guide. Our Resource Center provides a wealth of knowledge, guidance, and compassion to individuals living with brain and/or spinal cord injuries, their families/caregivers, and medical/healthcare professionals.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRUST FUND PROGRAM

Working as an advocate with spinal cord injury individuals, I have found very useful information from BIALA. They are quick to respond to my inquiries, and we work well together to find the resources individuals and caregivers need. Life with spinal cord injuries can be challenging so it is wonderful to know I have an organization such as BIALA to work with to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Nick Kylo

SCI Advocate

The stress of everything is overwhelming. Every place and person I have called has shut the door in my face, and I felt like I was drowning. No one wanted to help until I called you. You have been an angel sent to me who has been incredibly kind, willing to listen and also help find what we need. By sharing your own personal stories, you have shown me that there is hope. Having you to talk to has been such a comfort and I just can’t say thank you enough. This has been an incredibly hard road but now that I have found you, it has become easier because I know there is someone who cares. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my sweet angel, and thank you for shining some hope back in my life.

Mary Katherine Greer

Caregiver

After my husband suffered a spinal cord injury, I reached out to BIALA and found not only a wealth of information but an organization that gave me hope. At times, things seemed very bleak but I would call the resource center, and they were able to help me through those difficult moments. I will forever be grateful for the compassion and understanding that I received when I called the helpline.

Angel Hallage

Caregiver