Lake Nona, FL – Under leadership from the University of Florida’s BRAIN Center and in collaboration with Brain Injury Florida, brain injury experts, and advocates from across Florida convened in Lake Nona for a strategic retreat focused on crafting Florida’s next Brain Injury State Action Plan. The gathering brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the UF BRAIN Center, Brain Injury Florida, Disability Rights Florida, Florida Department of Education’s Vocational Rehabilitation, current and former members of the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program (BSCIP) advisory council, as well as brain injury survivors and caregivers. Collectively, these stakeholders comprise the Florida Statewide Brain Injury Advisory Board. This initiative is made possible through a federal grant from the Administration for Community Living, which supports efforts to improve brain injury services and policy development statewide.
The retreat served as a crucial working session to assess Florida’s current brain injury resources, identify gaps in care, and develop actionable strategies to enhance services and research initiatives across the state. Participants engaged in discussions centered on policy development, rehabilitation advancements, community support programs, and funding mechanisms essential for the success of the plan. The Florida Statewide Advisory Board’s collective insights and expertise ensured a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to addressing the needs of individuals affected by an acquired brain injury (including traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury).
“This retreat was an opportunity to bring together diverse perspectives to ensure that Florida’s Brain Injury State Plan reflects the realities and needs of those affected by brain injuries,” said Jessica Kirwan, Assistant Director of the BRAIN Center. “By collaborating with state agencies, healthcare providers, researchers, and patient advocates, we have drafted a plan that enhances both short- and long-term support systems for brain injury survivors.”
Moving forward, the insights and recommendations from the Lake Nona retreat will be incorporated into the draft of the Brain Injury State Action Plan, which will be reviewed by stakeholders before its finalization and submission to state leadership. The goal is to implement a forward-thinking, patient-centered strategy that enhances brain injury care, prevention, and recovery efforts statewide.
As the University of Florida continues to lead in brain injury research and rehabilitation in the state, the outcomes of this retreat will play a vital role in shaping policies that ensure better care, improved access to resources, and stronger support networks for individuals and families affected by brain injuries.
Additionally, the finalized Brain Injury State Plan will be officially presented at the Brain Injury Florida (BIF) Annual Conference on May 22-23 and will also be presented publicly during a webinar, with the date to be determined. During this presentation, stakeholders will outline the major strategic priorities identified in the plan, including expanding access to specialized care, strengthening rehabilitation services, enhancing community-based support programs, advancing research initiatives, and advocating for sustainable funding mechanisms.
