Brain Injury Help Line (BIHL)

Often a person faces a lot of uncertainty after brain injury, including the transition back to work or school, funding options, recreation, family and spousal relationships, and coping with ongoing fatigue, headaches, and depression. The Brain Injury Help Line is a free, statewide telephone service available that provides persons affected by brain injury with support in transitioning back to their family life, work, school and the community.  The service is voluntary and while many participants are referred at the point of discharge from the hospital, anyone can self-refer or be referred by any professional, at any point after the brain injury.

How does it work? Ideally, at discharge from the hospital, individuals are given information about the free service and the option to sign an authorization form. This form allows a Resource Facilitator from the Brain Injury Association of Montana to call the individual within a few weeks and then on a regular basis every six months, or as needed, for two years.

Individuals and their family members can also call the Alliance directly 1-800-241-6442 to participate in this service. The goal is to help individuals affected by brain injury problem-solve issues and identify support resources to help ensure that the individual and their family are getting their needs met. Many access BIHL when they need support with questions like:

• Where can I find a doctor who understands brain injury?  What is the process for scheduling appointments? Will insurance cover the cost?
• Can I/my family member receive home care services? Who will provide these services? Can my family member
• Can I/my family member return to work?
• Can I/my family member still drive? What are our transportation options?
• I/my family member need special equipment or modifications to the home.  Who do we contact for help with this? 
• I/my family member is struggling at work and might lose their job?  Is there someone that can help me communicate with my employer about my brain injury?
• How do we access special education services within our school district?
• What types of financial and medical resources are available and how do I apply? (e.g. disability insurance, Social Security, Medicaid)

In addition to receiving scheduled support calls from a resource facilitator, the participants are welcome to call when questions or issues arise and can discontinue the service at any time.

Authorization to Participate in BIHL (Printable form)