Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Survive. Connect. Rebuild.

A Program of the ATS

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

BIDMC is a Level 1 Trauma Center that provides exceptional, state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary care for adults who require emergency surgery because of an accident (except burns) or a sudden illness. BIDMC is one of the most active providers of acute care in the region, receiving trauma patients from referring hospitals. BIDMC provides a tertiary level of ICU care, delivering the highest level of multidisciplinary expertise for adult patients with all types and severity of traumatic injuries (except burns).

Our Trauma Program provides the highest level of multidisciplinary care for adult patients with all types and severity of traumatic injuries (except burns), including those sustained from motor vehicle accidents, violence, falls, and other events. We are verified by the American College of Surgeons committee on Trauma and designated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a Level 1 Trauma Center, an indication that we meet or exceed the strict requirements of this designation.

 

TSN Coordinator

Kathryn Kowalsky, LICSW
KKowalsky
Email Coordinator

Address
330 Brookline Ave
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215


Upcoming Programs & Events

Peer Visitation (Virtual)

Hospitalization following a traumatic injury can be filled with uncertainty, pain, anxiety and frustration. The TSN offers trauma patients an opportunity to talk with a trained peer visitor who can help the newly injured person through this difficult time and serve as a positive role model for the future. Since they have all lived through the trauma recovery experience, including the rescue scene, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and returning home, TSN peer visitors understand the concerns of new trauma patients on a deeply personal level. When a new trauma patient talks about his or her anxieties regarding the recovery ahead or the frustrations of dealing with the medical system, the TSN peer visitor can offer understanding and some tips for getting through the day. Most important, they are there to listen, address concerns and answer questions. Learn more

NextSteps

NextSteps is an interactive program to help you manage your life after a serious injury. It will help you explore the ways your life has changed and how you can move forward. Learn more

Recovery Assessment

The recovery assessment is designed for patients who are recovering from a traumatic injury. The questions are meant to help understand your strengths and resources, as well as to help you identify potential problems or challenges you may face in your recovery. Printable results are available after taking the assessment and can be reviewed on this page as well as your dashboard. Learn more

Trauma Survivors Support Group

Coming Soon (Virtually)

The traumatic injury impacts not only the physical functioning of the individual but the psychosocial health of the patient and their family. Support groups offer survivors an opportunity to connect with other survivors and receive and give support. The support group is well suited for easing trauma survivors’ emotional stress, including feelings of isolation, loneliness, depression, helplessness and hopelessness. By normalizing the experience of recovery and increasing the survivor’s self-efficacy through education and resource sharing, support groups have the potential to strengthen the survivor’s coping, as well as reduce isolation. Learn more

Amputation Support Group

3rd Thursday of the Month

This monthly support group is for patients who have had or are facing an amputation. Families and caregivers are encouraged to attend as well for mutual support and education. Learn more


Community Resources

Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST)

http://northsuffolk.org/services/emergency-services/boston-emergency-services-team/

This toll-free number can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week to obtain services. Staff at the 1-800-981-HELP Call Center will provide support, information, referral, or arrange an in-person evaluation. The Call Center will dispatch mobile clinicians to intervene at the site of the crisis unless a different setting is requested by a family or if the containment of a more secure setting is required. If you or someone in your family is in crisis, please call 1-800-981-4357 for guidance.

Therapy Matcher (NASW-MA)

https://www.naswma.org/page/therapymatcher

Therapy Matcher, formerly know as The Social Work Therapy Referral Service (SWTRS), is a public service of the MA Chapter of NASW. Since 1983 this free telephone referral service has connected thousands of people with licensed independent clinical social workers (LICSWs) across Massachusetts. The Referral Service includes nearly 300 therapists in private practice, experienced in helping clients of all ages improve their lives. Click "Find a Counselor For Yourself", call (617) 720-2828 or (800) 242-9794 or email info@therapymatcher.org to get started today.

Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery at BIDMC

https://www.bidmc.org/centers-and-departments/social-work/center-for-violence-prevention-and-recovery

The Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery (CVPR) was established in 1997, to Improve the health and well-being of people impacted by multiple forms of violence by providing trauma-informed services and programs.

AMPOWER

http://www.empoweringamputees.org/

The mission of AMPOWER is to empower and strengthen those affected by amputation or limb difference through peer mentorship, educational resources, and community events.

Brainline

https://www.brainline.org/

Brainline provides information and education about Brain Injury and PTSD for both adult and pediatric populations. To contact them directly, e-mail: info@BrainLine.org or call 703.998.2020

Americans with Disabilities Act

https://www.ada.gov/

The ADA website provides information and technical assistance regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act. 1-800-514-0301 (voice) 1-800-514-0383 (TTY)

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

https://www.christopherreeve.org/

The Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. Call 1-800-225-0292 or visit www.christopherreeve.org.

Amputee Coalition

https://www.amputee-coalition.org/

The mission of the Amputee Coalition is to reach out to and empower people affected by limb loss to achieve their full potential through education, support and advocacy, and to promote limb loss prevention.

SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

https://www.samhsa.gov/

This helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish. The SAMHSA website also offers a treatment locator to identify local mental health providers. For assistance, call 1-800-662-HELP, TTY: 1-800-487-4889, or visit www.samhsa.gov/

BIDMC Patient Relations

https://www.bidmc.org/patient-and-visitor-information/patient-information/during-your-stay/support-services

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center puts people at the center of everything we do and we are committed to trying to meet your needs in the best possible way. If there is a concern or complaint that is not being resolved to your satisfaction, or if you would prefer to discuss with someone not directly involved in the situation, the patient relations staff is available to help.


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