Awareness Program

The Awareness Program of UBPN is dedicated to "bringing brachial plexus injuries to light." The main goals of this program are as follows:

1. To increase awareness of brachial plexus injuries among the public at large;
2. To increase the participation and involvement of the Medical Community in the annual Awareness Week event;
3. To increase the participation and involvement of the brachial plexus communities throughout the nation in the annual Awareness Week event, so that more state proclamations are requested and processed. (Having state proclamations from as many states as possible is the foundation for requesting a National Proclamation, which we hope to do for the 6th Annual International BPI Awareness Week in October, 2005.);
4. To make a sincere and conscious effort to reach new families, individuals affected by brachial plexus injuries and families with newborns, so that they may become aware of our support and informational network;
5. To enhance our community involvement and sense of belonging.

InterACTION Program
Chair: Karen McClune (karen@ubpn.org)

The InterACTION Program of UBPN is responsible for bringing the members of our community together for positive interaction and sharing of information and support. All Special Events of UBPN are facilitated through the InterACTION program. Events are either engaged by the Board of Directors and charged to the InterAction Program for implementation, or they are suggested by the InterACTION Program volunteers to the Board of Directors for consideration. The main goals of the InterACTION Program are to strategize, develop, organize, and implement UBPN community events (such as Camp UBPN).

In Touch Program
Chair: Kathleen Mallozzi (kathm@ubpn.org)

The In Touch Program of UBPN strives to establish and maintain open communication between those with a professional interest in brachial plexus injuries and our community. The In Touch Program supports professional endeavors that are of benefit to our community. The four main objectives of this program include:

1. Create and maintain a Professional Online Registry. Registry listings include Medical, Therapy, Legal and Other;
2. Create opportunities for professionals to communicate directly with our community. (Online, in person and in print.);
3. Create opportunities for professionals to communicate with one another regarding brachial plexus injuries; and
4. Facilitate professional research related to brachial plexus injuries.

Open Arms Program
Co-Chairs:
Christopher Janney
Courtney Edlinger (courtney@ubpn.org)

The Open Arms Program of UBPN welcomes new members to our community. Open Arms responds to initial overtures (phone calls, emails, letters and in person) to UBPN from people seeking information and support. The overall goals of the Open Arms Program are to direct people to the appropriate resources regarding their concerns, and ensure that newcomers feel warmly welcomed and supported in our community. The Open Arms Program works closely with the Within Reach Program and the Outreach Program to maintain a network of caring community members providing accurate and helpful information to those in need.

Outreach Program
Chair: Kim West (kim@ubpn.org)

The Outreach Program of UBPN is charged with communicating current knowledge of brachial plexus injuries and the ongoing efforts of UBPN to our audiences. These audiences include, but are not limited to: the general public, media and the brachial plexus injury community. Our tools include our publications and informational materials as well as our website and online resources. The over-riding goal of the committee is to provide a reliable source of credible communication for our brachial plexus community as well as the general public.

Prevention Program
Co-Chairs:
Richard Looby (richard@ubpn.org)
Lisa Muscarella (lisa@ubpn.org)

The Brachial Plexus Injury Prevention Program of UBPN advocates for the wellness and safety of all newborns during the delivery process. Through our coordinated efforts to inform, educate, and empower families, medical professionals, educational personnel, insurance providers, politicians, and others, we strive to promote a model of prevention that will reduce the incidence of preventable brachial plexus injuries.

The goals of the Prevention Program are to:

1. Create a reference/resource folder & library;
2. Create and solidify a model of bpi prevention;
3. Educate, inform and empower expecting and potential parents regarding birthing positions and their direct impact on the prevention of brachial plexus birth injuries;
4. Educate and inform the medical community so that they become cognizant of the effectiveness of utilizing alternative birthing positions to prevent or relieve shoulder dystocia;;
5. Educate and inform medical malpractice insurance companies on how to reduce their liability through preventing brachial plexus injuries;
6. Educate and inform public policy makers/politicians;
7. Petition the CDC to track the occurrence of brachial plexus birth injuries .