Mission

The Chattanooga Area Brain Injury Association began in 1985 when a group of concerned parents and professionals began meeting as a support group. That group of individuals had a direct influence in founding the Brain Injury Association of Tennessee (BIAT). Since then, the support group has grown into what is now known as the Chattanooga Area Brain Injury Association (CABIA). CABIA is dedicated to providing the highest quality services in order to prevent and increase the awareness of brain injuries and to achieve optimal outcomes for brain injury survivors. Further, we are committed to advocating on behalf of brain injury survivors and their family members in order for them to achieve the highest quality of life.

History

In 1994 and 1995, Nicky Ozbek, Ph.D. was instrumental in strengthening and shaping the support group into the Chattanooga Area Brain Injury Association, receiving a 501(c)(3) non-profit status and forming the first Board of Directors for the Association. CABIA has continued to evolve and is one of the strongest entities addressing traumatic brain injury in Tennessee. 

Beginning in the early 1990s through the work of Robert Main (current CEO of Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation), the current guidelines were developed for BIAT grant allocations. Monies received by BIAT are from court costs associated with DUI tickets, and are used to fund service coordinators across the state to help provide support and education for traumatic brain injury survivors and their families.

In 1995, CABIA received its first grant from BIAT to fund a service coordinator position and provide monies for continuation of the support groups in the greater Chattanooga area.  

For more information regarding the services offered by CABIA, please call our service coordinator, Lisa Morgan, CTRS, at 423-634-1572 or email her at chattanoogabraininjury@gmail.com