CARIBOU, Maine — The Center for Integrated Neuro Rehab, a program of Aroostook Mental Health Services, Inc, will highlight Brain Injury Awareness Month during March.
Among other activities, clients will display their artwork and share their inspiring stories.
“Traumatic brain injuries are more common than many people think,” said Pamela Searles, OTR/L,CBIS, neuro-rehabilitation services manager.
“In Maine alone, on average every week, there are nearly 200 TBI-related hospital emergency department visits. At CINR, we work with individuals to assist them with gaining more skills in the areas of physical function, language/cognition, social/emotional well-being, and more independence with life skills,” Searles said.
“We want people to know that there is hope and help in overcoming the challenges associated with traumatic brain injury.”
Therapy at CINR includes artwork. As part of Brain Injury Awareness Month, artwork will be on display at the Caribou Public Library from March 16 to 31.
“Our clients create beautiful paintings and other artwork,” Searles said. “Our staff is excited to share the art created by our clients and we hope the community will stop by to enjoy their work.”
CINR will also host an open house at their facility at 159 Bennett Drive, Suite 1 in Caribou, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on March 18. Clients will share their stories of triumph in overcoming their injuries.
According to Searles, brain injuries are most commonly sustained through falls, as well as strokes and motor vehicle accidents. Since 2007, CINR has supported hundreds of individuals and their loved ones. They address intellectual, emotional and social functioning deficits to increase a brain injury survivor’s maximum recovery. Services may include psychological services, group therapy, family support groups, physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as community reintegration.
CNIR is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. For more information, contact them at 207-498-3820.
Celebrating more than 55 years, AMHC is a nonprofit organization supporting nearly 6,000 clients annually. The agency has 26 service sites and 325 employees located across Aroostook, Washington and Hancock counties providing mental health, substance use, crisis, sexual assault services and brain injury services (Aroostook County).
For more information, connect with AMHC at www.amhc.org.
