A Look at How RMHS Supports Individuals with Brain Injuries
March 27, 2024
RMHS supports individuals and families impacted by brain injuries, this month and every month
Brain injuries affect the lives of as many as 3 million Americans per year, and in the course of treating this injury and navigating the long-term effects, individuals and families often need support from the community. Nationally, we recognize the month of March as Brain Injury Awareness Month with the intent to increase community support and help raise awareness about the realities of brain injuries.
As we move through the month of March, it’s important to recognize that brain injuries are not one size fits all, and the support that each individual needs to thrive differs from person to person. With that in mind, Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS) pursues a tailored approach and connects individuals living with brain injuries with the community resources and supports that meet each person’s unique needs.
As the Case Management Agency (CMA) for Denver and Adams Counties, RMHS provides screenings, assessments, referrals, and case management for a variety of long-term care needs, including brain injuries, to ensure everyone is connected with the right resources and supports to live the life they want at home or community of choice.
Case managers who work in the CMA help individuals access services such as independent living skills training, personal care, physical therapy, specialized mental health care, transportation services, and other supports such as adult day programs and supported living services.
Rhonda Cordova, an RMHS case manager, has been a social worker for over twenty years. In her time at RMHS, she has worked with many people with brain injuries. Every person that she supports is different.
“It’s a wide spectrum,” said Rhonda. “On one end, there are severe brain injuries… and then on the other end of the spectrum, you’re going to have someone who is really high functioning and has minimal needs. They might just need transportation to get to and from work, which we can provide.”
Although every brain injury is different, with the right support, most individuals can make huge strides in recovery, like learning to walk and talk again, and some even regain a large range of physical and mental ability. The story of Jonny Landis, a CU Boulder student who fell from a third-floor balcony in March of 2019, is an example of such a positive recovery. His story can be found here.
Brain Injury Awareness Month is an opportunity to support individuals and families who have been impacted by brain injuries, advocate for them, and listen to their stories. There are a range of public health policies and initiatives that affect those impacted by brain injuries, and you can learn more and support these causes by visiting the Brain Injury Association’s website.
