Press Release

October 19, 2009

Acquired Brain Injury the Topic For Upcoming Public Meetings

For More Information Contact:
Gary Wolcott, Program Manager,
Brain Injury Services (207) 287-4242, or
John Martins, Director
Employee and Public Communications (207) 287-5012

AUGUSTA – Public meetings have been scheduled in October and November to learn more about the unmet needs of people with brain injuries in Maine.

The Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council (ABIAC) will host public hearings later this month to hear responses to the DHHS Plan for Brain Injury 2008-09, the priorities established by the Council and to learn more about the unmet needs of persons with brain injuries and their families. The hearings will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, October 24 at Houlton Regional Hospital, 20 Hartford Street, Houlton, Saturday, October31 at Franklin Memorial Hospital, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington, and Saturday, November 7 at Calais Regional Hospital, 24 Hospital Lane, Calais.

“The goal is to gather information from persons with brain injuries, their families, rehabilitation experts, providers of services and the public,’’ said Gary Wolcott, Brain Injury Services Program Manager at the Office of Physical and Cognitive Disabilities Services at DHHS. “If people cannot attend, we welcome written comments through November 17.”

Written comments should be forwarded to the Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council, Attention: Deb Caron, Brain Injury Services, OACPDS/DHHS, 11 State House Station, 2nd Floor Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333. They can also be e-mailed to OACPDS.DHHS@maine.gov.

The Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council was established by law two years ago by law, two years ago, to provide independent oversight and advice to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Legislature.

The DHHS Plan for Brain Injury Services 2008-2009 is available http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/data_reports.shtml

For further information please contact Wolcott at (207) 287-4242 or OACPDS.DHHS@maine.gov

Send your comments and suggestions