Five Questions With: Debra Sharpe

Debra Sharpe is executive director of the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island. / BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF RHODE ISLAND
Debra Sharpe is executive director of the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island. / BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF RHODE ISLAND

Debra Sharpe, executive director of the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island, came to work in the nonprofit by chance. Having always been involved in volunteering, causes and community organizations, her first nonprofit job was with the American Heart Association in Illinois and Missouri as a field representative. “Today, I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she said, and when the position with the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island came up she jumped at the opportunity.

“The human brain is fascinating. … It is what makes us who we are, unique and special, and you only get one,” said Sharpe of the need for further research needed in the field.

PBN: What are the top ways someone can prevent a brain injury?
SHARPE:
Brain injury is invariably unexpected. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. The best way to prevent brain injuries are fairly commonsense kinds of things like wearing a helmet or other appropriate head gear for sports. It should fit properly, and younger children should be supervised. Other general prevention measures include always wearing seatbelts, obeying traffic signals, never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or ride as a passenger with someone who is under the influence. Remove hazards in the home that may contribute to falls which, especially among the elderly, are a leading cause of brain injury. This can be done by securing rugs and loose electrical cords, putting toys away, using safety gates and installing window guards or handrails.

PBN: What major successes has the organization had since its inception in 1983?
SHARPE:
BIARI has much to celebrate. Our highlights include the legislation that created the Governor’s Permanent Advisory Commission on Traumatic Brain Injury and funding for the Brain Injury Resource Center, which has been greatly expanded. We have fairly new offices at 1017 Waterman Ave. in East Providence, and now the Resource Center is open to the public 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays or by appointment in the evening. We have a steady stream of visitors to our offices, and they include brain injury survivors, professionals, educators, families and caregivers. Our support groups meet all over the state, and we have groups geared to caregivers, brain injury survivors and families, as well as activities for survivors, families and caregivers. In the past few years our activities during Brain Injury Awareness month in March have grown and include our annual conference. We have redesigned our new website, increased our social media presence (@braininjuryri) and created signature events like the Hidden Treasure Gala on Sept. 16, and the On the Move Run on Oct. 16.

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PBN: How does the organization collaborate with area businesses to enhance its work?
SHARPE:
We are always open and excited to partner with other organizations and businesses. We have wonderful corporate partner opportunities available to help support our various programs and projects, and we are blessed to have many wonderful, generous partners and sponsors. They help us tremendously by supporting our program initiatives and trainings. We offer safety trainings and employee education for businesses and schools, and are happy to participate in health fairs and employee outreach activities. We can work with a corporate or organizational partner to identify opportunities that may have a special interest and, like all nonprofits, we have sponsorships available for our conference and special events.

PBN: How does the organization promote brain injury awareness at both the state and city level?
SHARPE:
We have an outstanding partnership with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, which helps support our resource center. We do a lot of outreach and volunteering including helping out at the Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show, CVS Health Charity Classic and the All Charity Day at Newport Polo. Our sponsors, partners and volunteers are our greatest assets.

PBN: Why is it important to advocate for the prevention of brain injuries?
SHARPE:
Brain injury is a misdiagnosed, misunderstood and underfunded neurological disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Injury Prevention’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control reports that brain injury is a “serious public health problem” contributing to a substantial number of deaths and permanent disability in the United States. In 2010, CDC reported that 2.5 million Americans sought treatment for a traumatic brain injury. The effects of brain injuries result in problems with thinking, memory, emotions, language, physical, mobility and sensory, which impact a person’s ability to return to school, work, home and community. Approximately 5.3 million Americans are living with a brain injury-related disability that has an impact on relationships with family and friends, as well as their ability to be employed, do household tasks, drive and participate in other activities of daily living.

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