Barbara Salisbury Appointed to Brain Injury Commission of Massachusetts

Governor Deval Patrick appointed MAB CEO Barbara Salisbury to the first Brain Injury Commission of Massachusetts, which joins key community members, legislators, and state policymakers concerned with issues related to services for individuals with brain injury in the Commonwealth.

The special commission was established this year to investigate and study the rehabilitative, residential and integrated community-based support services for people with acquired and traumatic brain injury in Massachusetts. Mrs. Salisbury will relay the expertise of the Ivy Street School to inform policymakers of best practice in brain injury treatment.

“I am looking forward to bringing this critical group together to move our policies forward for individuals and families affected by brain injuries,” said Senator Harriette Chandler, co-chair Commissioner.

The Commission aims to identity service gaps for individuals with brain injuries in Massachusetts. The Commission mission statement is “to advance the present scope of community based long-term supports and services available to individuals with brain injury in MA by providing an analysis of current services, the related needs and gaps, and to subsequently develop a series of prioritized recommendations for system change.” Key topics include discussing the population, the brain injury provider network, and best practices on a national scope.

In addition to Mrs. Salisbury, Commissioners include Deb Kamen, Director of Brain Injury & Statewide Specialized Community Services at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission; Arlene Korab, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts; Cheryl Lussier Poppe, Director of Veterans’ Programs and Services at the Department of Veterans’ Services; Dr. Michael Hirsh, Director of the Division of Pediatric Surgery and Trauma of the University of Massachusetts Memorial Children’s Medical Center; Dr. Francesca LaVecchia, Chief Neuropsychologist for the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission in the Brain Injury and Statewide Specialized Community Services Department; and more.

“I am excited to be part of this group that will work to improve the lives of people with brain injury,” said Mrs. Salisbury. “The Commission will help to bring real change.”