Connection Matters: Suicide Prevention & 988 Resources

 

Connection Can Make a Difference.  September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a reminder that mental health and emotional well-being are important parts of life after brain injury. Changes in relationships, independence, work, and daily routines can sometimes contribute to depression, loneliness, or isolation. Connection and support can make a meaningful difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7. You do not have to be suicidal to reach out. Learn more about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Find Connection Through BIASC BIASC offers opportunities for survivors and caregivers to connect with others who understand the challenges of life after brain injury. Brain Injury Support Groups Connect with other survivors and caregivers to share experiences, find encouragement, and build supportive relationships.  Find a Support Group Thrive Together Tuesdays Thrive Together offers weekly virtual opportunities to connect, learn, and support your well-being. On the fourth Tuesday of September, join us for a mindfulness and meditation class with Laura Holmes. Explore Thrive Together. Sept. 22 • 10 a.m. Advocacy Update: A Win for SC's Brain Injury Community BIASC has received $500,000 in state funding to strengthen support for people living with brain injury and their families across South Carolina. This investment follows months of advocacy from survivors, caregivers, professionals, partners, and others who helped make the needs of the brain injury community heard at the State House. Read the full update. Great Galactic Games Takes the Stage in Greenville The Thrive Upstate Acting on Impulse Ensemble and the Warehouse Theatre will present their annual original play, Great Galactic Games, Enjoy the performance and connect with the actors, their families and friends, and Thrive Upstate staff. Learn more. Sept. 22 • 7 p.m. McAlister Square, Greenville, SC National Concussion Awareness Day • Sept. 18 National Concussion Awareness Day raises awareness about concussions and promotes education about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Learn the facts, test your concussion knowledge, and find resources at Concussion Awareness Now.  Earn 1 Free CEU with BIASC & SCOTA For Occupational Therapists BIASC is partnering with the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association (SCOTA) for “Beyond the Clinic: Community Support and Advocacy.” This webinar will introduce occupational therapy professionals to BIASC’s resources, education, advocacy, and support, and explore how community partnerships can support people with brain injury beyond traditional clinical care. SCOTA members can earn one free CEU for participating. Sept. 23 • 5–6 p.m. Free for SCOTA members • $10 for non-members Register now! State of Disability Pride Virtual Town Hall Sept. 16 • 5:30 p.m. Join South Carolinians with disabilities, families, advocates, and allies for a virtual conversation about disability rights, policy changes, and issues affecting the disability community. Connect, ask questions, and celebrate disability pride and advocacy. Register now! Brain Injury Research Survey Help the Illinois Institute of Technology improve its quality-of-life research with a 20-minute questionnaire. Your response can help improve support services for brain injury survivors. Participants have the chance to win a $25 gift card. Participate in the survey.

Hire Me SC Employer Summit “Disability Made for Business” October 7 • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dominion Energy • Learn More BIASC Quick Links BI Survivor Resources Support Groups – Virtual and In-Person Thrive Together Tuesdays SC State Museum Accessibility Mornings 2026 Online BI Survivor Series Keep up with all the happenings on our calendar of events.

Community Sponsors enable BIASC to provide vital services and programs to individuals navigating life after brain injury. Find out how your organization can get involved. Heart of the Carolinas  •  Rosen Hagood Attorneys Larry Lucas State Farm Agency  •  Coastal Carolina National Bank   National Safety Council Southeastern Chapter Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital Columbia