All About The BIAMT

There were three known support groups meeting around the state on an irregular basis. A core group of eight individuals dedicated themselves to forming a state organization for the benefit of brain injury survivors and their families throughout Montana. Angela and Jim Spall and Maria Nyberg of Helena, Ty and Scotty MacLeod of Billings, Joyce Steele of Great Falls, Jim Malloy of Bozeman, and Heather Joern of Kalispell. The group of individuals met in Helena in 1985, worked diligently, and dedicated the time, money, and love needed to start a statewide organization.

The Montana Head Injury Foundation was officially formed with an eight-member Board of Directors. It also quickly became a chartered and affiliated organization of the National Head Injury Foundation. After this occurred, the organization evolved rapidly.

The organization’s first educational conference was held in Billings, Montana. The conference brought together members of the brain injury community to network, provide peer-to-peer support, and share knowledge.

The growth of the organization led the office to move from Ty and Scotty MacLeod’s garage to an office at Eastern Montana College where it was staffed by volunteers and a graduate assistant. The toll-free number was established.

The office was moved to Missoula and resided on the University of Montana campus. The organization continued to develop and expand under the guidance of the board of directors.

The organization participated in an implementation grant of the Resource Facilitation Service, now called the Brain Injury Help Line. Initially engaging five hospitals in the referral process, we were able to connect with patients early in their recovery.

Further development resulted in the organization joining the United States Brain Injury Alliance as a member affiliate.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Montana worked closely with Senator Anders Blewett and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Traumatic Brain Injury to bring the Dylan Steigers Protection of Youth Athletes Act to the 63rd Session of the Montana Legislature. Many parents, coaches, physicians, and athletes shared their message, and in April 2013, Governor Bullock signed the bill into law.