Our History

                                          From Grassroots to Brain Northwest: Over 40 Years of Impact

A Movement Rooted in Compassion

In 1982, a group of families and caregivers came together in Washington State with a shared goal: to support their loved ones living with brain injuries. What began as a grassroots volunteer network soon became the Washington State Head Injury Foundation — offering peer support groups and a simple helpline to fill a gap in care and community.

Over the years, this early movement grew in reach, structure, and ambition. By the 1990s and early 2000s, the organization — renamed the Brain Injury Alliance of Washington (BIAWA) — had become a vital voice for brain injury survivors, delivering services, advocating for policy change, and building bridges between medical systems and everyday life.

Key Milestones

• 1982: Founded by families and caregivers as a volunteer-run peer support group.
• 2007: Played a leading role in supporting the passage of the Tommy Manning Act in Washington State to specifically address support and service needs of people with traumatic brain injuries and their caregivers, and to address those needs through state funding.
• 2007: Received its first state contract, launching the statewide Brain Injury Resource Line.
• 2009: Played a leading role in brain injury prevention policy — including the passage of the Zackery Lystedt Law in Washington State, the first in the nation youth sports brain injury prevention law aimed at protecting student athletes.  Since 2009, each state has subsequently adopted the content of this law to protect students nationwide.
• 2011: Introduced in-person case management for both adults and children with brain injuries.
• 2012: Pediatric services expanded statewide.
• 2024: Rebranded as Brain Northwest, resonates with our expansive vision and revitalized perspective.   

The Evolution to Brain Northwest

As BIAWA’s identity evolved, the need for a name change became clear—a fresh identity that would better resonate with and serve our community. In 2025, we proudly embraced our new name: Brain Northwest, reflecting our commitment to providing meaningful and relevant services.

This name honors our Pacific Northwest roots while reflecting our comprehensive, inclusive, and empowering approach in supporting individuals and families affected by brain injury.

What hasn’t changed is the mission:

To prevent brain injuries and improve the quality of life for survivors through support, education, and advocacy.

Today and Tomorrow

Now known as Brain Northwest, we offer a wide array of services, including:

• A dedicated Brain Injury Resource Line (206-467-4800)
• Multiple monthly wellness and recovery classes
• Support for support groups and social events
• Community Advocacy
• Pooled Alliance Community Trust-Helping survivors protect assets and maintain access to benefits through special needs trust services.

Brain Northwest provides not just resources, but hope, healing, and a sense of belonging.

A Legacy of Support

From a small group of concerned parents to a trusted leader — our journey has been powered by survivors, families, volunteers, and supporters like you. As we move forward, Brain Northwest remains committed to the vision that started it all:

No one should face a brain injury alone