BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI - United Spinal Association, MS Chapter

What BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI - United Spinal Association, MS Chapter does

The Brain Injury Association of Mississippi & United Spinal Association, MS Chapter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded in 1987 and headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. It is the only nonprofit organization in Mississippi specifically serving traumatic brain and spinal cord injury survivors — both civilian and military — along with their families and caregivers. The organization operates with seven staff and is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Dr. Howard Katz, with Catherine Bishop as Executive Director. It became a state affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America in 1989 and rebranded in April 2021 to incorporate United Spinal Association's MS Chapter, expanding its scope to include spinal cord injury.

Core service delivery includes survivor advocacy, caregiver and family support, rehabilitation referrals, peer support groups, educational resources, a statewide toll-free helpline (1-800-444-6443), and a physical resource center. Programming spans in-person and hybrid (Zoom) support groups at seven regional sites, free imPACT baseline concussion testing for ages 5–80, an annual NeuroTrauma Symposium, an annual Dash 'N Splash 5K, the NogginFeast tasting fundraiser, Camp Kamassa, Art in Mind (art therapy at the Mississippi Museum of Art), Adapt to the Outdoors recreational outings, Bowl-a-Rama, Rollin on the Rez, and the Matter of Balance falls-prevention workshop. The technical stack is essentially off-the-shelf: PayPal donation processing, Zoom for virtual meetings, website-based service request forms, and a licensed third-party cognitive testing tool.

The revenue model is pure philanthropic: membership is free for all segments, and revenue is generated through donations ($25–$250 tiers via PayPal), Kroger Community Rewards, special-event fees, sponsorships, and grants. There are no service fees or product sales. Marketing is community-led — grassroots support groups, survivor advocacy networks, awareness events (Brain Injury Awareness Month, Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month), and media partnerships (WJTV, Scott Brown Media Group) drive both mission delivery and fundraising.

Name

BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI - United Spinal Association, MS Chapter

Legal name

Brain Injury Association of Mississippi & United Spinal Association, MS Chapter

Website

https://msbraininjury.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Support Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Injury Prevention, Disability & Rehabilitation Programs (BPADAIAM)

Keywords

• Brain injury support
• Spinal cord injury services
• Caregiver support programs
• Disability peer support
• Traumatic injury advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Jackson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The primary revenue stream comes from donations, gifts, and charitable contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Donation tiers range from $25 (Adventure Buddy - recreational outing) to $250 (Camp Champion - weekend at Camp Kamassa), with intermediate tiers at $50 (Creative Spark - Art in Mind session) and $180 (Community Builder - regional support group for a month). Donations are processed via PayPal.
2. Membership Dues: Membership is free for survivors, caregivers, families, and professionals. Membership benefits include free participation in all BIAMS/USAMS events, a monthly newsletter, and eligibility for free subscriptions to United Spinal Association's 'New Mobility' magazine and BIAA's 'The Challenge' magazine.
3. Special Events: Revenue is generated through special events including the annual Dash 'N Splash race (5K run/walk/roll), NogginFeast tasting event, NeuroTrauma Symposium (with registration fees and CEUs), and other recreational fundraisers like Bowl-a-Rama and golf events.
4. Grants: The organization receives grant funding as part of its revenue mix, supporting the development of support groups throughout Mississippi, educational resource materials, prevention programs, and maintenance of the statewide helpline.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Brain Injury Association of Mississippi & United Spinal Association, MS Chapter delivers free statewide support services to traumatic brain and spinal cord injury survivors, their caregivers, and families. Core offerings include survivor advocacy, caregiver and family support, rehabilitation referrals, peer support groups across multiple Mississippi cities, a statewide toll-free helpline, and an extensive resource library. Complementary programs include free imPACT baseline concussion testing, adaptive recreation (Adapt to the Outdoors, Camp Kamassa), art therapy (Art in Mind), and falls prevention workshops (Matter of Balance).

Product overview

The Brain Injury Association of Mississippi & United Spinal Association of MS Chapter offers a unified portfolio of support services for brain and spinal cord injury survivors and their families across Mississippi. The core service includes survivor advocacy, caregiver support, rehabilitation referrals, peer support groups, educational materials, and a statewide helpline (1-800-444-6443). The organization supplements direct services with recreational programs (Adapt to the Outdoors, Camp Kamassa), therapeutic activities (Art in Mind), and falls prevention (Matter of Balance). Annual events include the NeuroTrauma Symposium professional conference, Dash 'N Splash 5K race, NogginFeast fundraising celebration, Bowl-a-Rama, and Rollin on the Rez car show. Free IMPACT Baseline Testing for concussion assessment is also provided. The organization maintains multiple support group locations throughout the state and provides free resource materials to anyone in need.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Brain Injury Support Services Comprehensive support services including survivor advocacy, caregiver support, rehabilitation referrals, and community involvement for brain injury survivors and their families.
• Caregiver and Family Support Emotional support and resources to help families and caregivers cope with brain and spinal cord injury challenges and provide better care.
• Traumatic Brain Injury Resources Vital information and tools including pamphlets, workbooks, brochures, and books to support recovery and long-term well-being for those impacted by TBI.
• Rehabilitation and Referrals Connecting survivors with rehabilitation programs and personalized care providers for recovery.
• Survivor Advocacy and Peer Support

Quantifiable outcome

• Mississippi is #3 in the country in the number of brain injuries reported each year; #1 in strokes per capita
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Fleet FeetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFleet Feet is the presenting sponsor of the Dash 'N Splash annual race event, providing brand visibility and support for the 5K run/walk/roll event for brain and spinal cord injury awareness.
• Kroger Community RewardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKroger Community Rewards program allows shoppers to link their Kroger account to the association, generating donations through everyday purchases. Community members can enroll at kroger.com/community/community-rewards.
• WJTVminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWJTV is the media partner for the NeuroTrauma Symposium and other events. Walt Grayson from WJTV presents the $5,000 Live Drawdown at NogginFeast. The station provides press conference coverage and ongoing media support.
• Renaissance at Colony ParkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue partner for NogginFeast events. The restaurant provides its venue for the annual tasting and drawdown event celebrating brain health.
• Half Shell Oyster HouseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReturning People's Choice Award winner from NogginFeast 2024 tasting table showdown; competes annually in the event.
• Old Capitol InnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReturning People's Choice Award winner from NogginFeast 2024 tasting table showdown; competes annually in the event.
• Kathryn's Steak House and Seafood RestaurantminorGTM or Marketing PartnerReturning People's Choice Award winner from NogginFeast 2024 tasting table showdown; competes annually in the event.
• Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Brain Injury Association of MS became a state affiliate of the Brain Injury Association of America in 1989. Through this affiliation, members receive access to BIAA resources, publications including 'The Challenge' magazine, and national advocacy efforts.
• United Spinal AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn April 2021, the organization became The Brain Injury Association of MS | United Spinal Association - MS Chapter. Members are eligible for free United Spinal Association membership and subscription to 'New Mobility' magazine.
• Scott Brown Media GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia and production partner for the NeuroTrauma Symposium, ensuring flawless technical execution of the annual conference.
• Adapt to the OutdoorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecreational partnership program providing adaptive outdoor experiences including biking, trail activities, art in the park, and group outings to movies and museums for injury survivors.
• The Westin JacksonminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue host for the 2023 NeuroTrauma Symposium, providing event space at their elite Jackson hotel property.
• Mississippi Museum of ArtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner venue for the Art in Mind interactive art therapy program, where licensed art therapist Susan Anand facilitates sessions at the museum for chapter members.
• Flowood Family YMCAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHybrid support group meeting venue in Flowood, MS (690 Liberty Rd, Flowood, MS 39232) for Jackson-area survivors and caregivers.
• Crosspoint Community Church (Hattiesburg)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHattiesburg area support group meeting venue at 3211 Hwy 589, Hattiesburg, MS 39402, meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm.
• YMCA Gulf CoastminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGulf Coast support group meeting venue at 1810 Government St., Ocean Springs, MS 39564, meeting on the third Thursday of each month.
• L.I.F.E. of Tupelo OfficeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTupelo area support group meeting venue at 1051 Cliff Gookin Boulevard, Tupelo, MS 38801, meeting on the third Monday of each month.
• LIFE of Mississippi Office (Indianola)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew support group location in Indianola at 410 Highway 82 East, Suite C, Indianola, MS 38751, meeting every second Thursday monthly at 11:00 AM.
• Picayune Senior CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPicayune area support group meeting venue at 45 El Patch Parkway, Picayune, MS 39466, meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation: Major national nonprofit focused on spinal cord injury advocacy, research funding, and quality-of-life grants. Comparable because it serves the same SCI survivor and caregiver population that BIAMS addresses through its United Spinal chapter affiliation.
• United Spinal Association: National spinal cord injury organization that BIAMS formally partnered with in April 2021 as its MS Chapter. Directly comparable mission around SCI survivor support, advocacy, and resources including the 'New Mobility' magazine that BIAMS members receive.
• Brain Injury Association of America: National umbrella organization that BIAMS is a state affiliate of since 1989. Directly comparable because it sets the advocacy, education, and chapter support framework that BIAMS implements locally, and serves the same TBI survivor/caregiver population with publications, training, and policy work.

Emerging players

• Shepherd Center: Catastrophic care hospital in Atlanta specializing in brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation, research, and advocacy. Comparable because it serves the same TBI/SCI survivor population with rehabilitation and recovery programming that BIAMS refers into.

Direct peers

• Brain Injury Association of Alabama: Adjacent state affiliate of BIAA serving Alabama's TBI survivor population with similar peer support, advocacy, and education services. Most structurally comparable peer because it operates the same state-chapter model in a neighboring Southeastern state with similar injury demographics.
• Brain Injury Association of Louisiana: Another BIAA state affiliate in the Gulf South providing TBI survivor support, education, and advocacy. Directly comparable structure, mission, and service portfolio to BIAMS, serving a neighboring state with comparable injury and stroke prevalence.

Regional players

• Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services: State agency providing vocational rehabilitation, independent living, and disability services across Mississippi. Comparable because it operates in the same TBI/SCI rehabilitation and vocational support space and is a likely referral partner for BIAMS survivors.
• Disability Rights Mississippi: Statewide protection and advocacy organization for people with disabilities in Mississippi, including TBI/SCI survivors. Comparable because it serves the same Mississippi disability population through legal advocacy, benefits navigation, and individual support that overlaps with BIAMS's rehabilitation referral and survivor advocacy services.
• Centers for Independent Living (Mississippi SILC): Mississippi Statewide Independent Living Council coordinating centers that support people with disabilities including TBI/SCI survivors in community living. Comparable because it serves an overlapping population and could be a referral partner for BIAMS's survivor and caregiver programs.

Others

• TBI Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center: Federally funded center that translates TBI Model Systems research into consumer-friendly materials for survivors and families. Comparable because it produces the educational content BIAMS distributes through its resource center and helpline.

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/brain-injury-association-of-mississippi

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BRAIN INJURY ASSOCIATION OF MISSISSIPPI - United Spinal Association, MS Chapter