"One in four people in their lifetime will sustain a brain injury of some sort." 

Nichole Shotwell, President and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI), joins Tom Judd on Diving Deeper to explore how the causes of brain injury are far more common than most people realize—from concussions and strokes to car crashes and falls—and why we often don't connect these experiences as part of the same condition.

Nichole shares her journey from harp performance major to social worker to leading a statewide advocacy organization celebrating its 45th year. She talks about the broad scope of work BIAMI does, including helping individual survivors navigate food insecurity, transportation, and access to care, while simultaneously advocating in Washington, D.C., for a national brain injury action plan and reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act.

Tom and Nichole also discuss BIAMI's upcoming Legacy Society dinner honoring Tammy Hannah and Erica Coulston, the viral Magnum P.I. Day at Comerica Park (featuring 900 people in aloha shirts and fake mustaches), and why more social workers need to know about brain injury.

Brain Injury Association of Michigan

Spring Tribute Legacy Society Dinner

Thank you to BlackRocks Group for sponsoring today’s episode.

Led by Bill Buccalo, BlackRocks’ mission is to provide business owners and leaders with impactful strategic and financially-focused consultation. Through the development of strong relationships and deep understanding of client businesses, BlackRocks Group serves as a trusted advisor supporting growth and value creation. 

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