Editing Openai/6921e7ce-2424-8009-ac8c-7aea42105dda (section)

== gpt-5-1 ==
=== User: Stroke and brain injury support Oakland Maryland ===
Stroke and brain injury support Oakland Maryland

=== Assistant: That’s a very important issue. ===
That’s a very important issue. Here are some stroke & brain injury support resources relevant to Oakland, Maryland (and statewide in MD), plus how to access them — and some suggestions to get connected locally.

==== Local / Regional Support Resources ====
# Brain Injury Association of Maryland (BIAMD) - BIAMD is a leading organization in Maryland for brain injury (including stroke) support. biamd.org<ref>{{cite web|title=biamd.org|url=https://www.biamd.org/|publisher=biamd.org|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref> - Phone: 1-800-221-6443 for their statewide helpline. Brain Injury Association of America<ref>{{cite web|title=Brain Injury Association of America|url=https://biausa.org/find-bia/maryland|publisher=Brain Injury Association of America|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref> - They offer a weekly “Check-In Chats” via Zoom / online. biamd.org<ref>{{cite web|title=biamd.org|url=https://www.biamd.org/|publisher=biamd.org|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref> - They also list multiple support groups (online and in-person) on their site. biamd.org<ref>{{cite web|title=biamd.org|url=https://www.biamd.org/support-groups.html|publisher=biamd.org|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref>
# UM Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute (UMMS) - They run a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support Group on the first Monday of every month. UMMS<ref>{{cite web|title=UMMS|url=https://www.umms.org/rehab/community/support-groups|publisher=umms.org|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref> - They also have a Stroke Support Group on the third Tuesday of each month (10am–12pm). UMMS<ref>{{cite web|title=UMMS|url=https://www.umms.org/rehab/community/support-groups|publisher=umms.org|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref> - Contact: Candace Rebuck (410-448-6303) is listed for the TBI group. UMMS<ref>{{cite web|title=UMMS|url=https://www.umms.org/rehab/community/support-groups|publisher=umms.org|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref>
# UM Charles Regional Medical Center - They host a Stroke & Brain Injury Support Group once a month (first Monday, 3:30–4:30 p.m.). UMMS<ref>{{cite web|title=UMMS|url=https://www.umms.org/charles/health-services/stroke/support|publisher=umms.org|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref> - For more info: call 301-609-4890 or email skhoo@umm.edu. UMMS<ref>{{cite web|title=UMMS|url=https://www.umms.org/charles/health-services/stroke/support|publisher=umms.org|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref>
# Garrett County Behavioral Health Authority - Since Oakland is in Garrett County, you may also reach out to the Garrett County Behavioral Health Authority. Their office is in Oakland, MD. garretthealth.org<ref>{{cite web|title=garretthealth.org|url=https://garretthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/GCBHA-LMB-Brochure-2019-1.pdf|publisher=garretthealth.org|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref> - Phone: 301-334-7440. garretthealth.org<ref>{{cite web|title=garretthealth.org|url=https://garretthealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/GCBHA-LMB-Brochure-2019-1.pdf|publisher=garretthealth.org|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref> - They may help you connect with local mental health or injury-recovery resources or support groups.
# Garrett County Community Action - While not specifically a brain-injury group, the Garrett County Community Action Committee is a local resource for broader social services in Oakland. garrettcac.org<ref>{{cite web|title=garrettcac.org|url=https://garrettcac.org/contact/|publisher=garrettcac.org|access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref> - Their connection could help you access support or find out about local peer groups, transportation, or social service programs.

==== How to Use These Resources Effectively ====
* Call BIAMD: Their helpline is very helpful for resource guidance, connecting you to local support groups or case managers.
* Attend online support groups: If travel is difficult (especially from a rural area like Garrett County), the BIAMD’s online check-in chats are very accessible.
* Ask for peer support: When you reach out to these groups, mention you’re specifically in Garrett County / Oakland — they may know of other very local survivors or caregivers.
* Work with your care team: Ask doctors, social workers, or rehab therapists (in hospital or outpatient) if they know of stroke/brain injury support groups near or in Oakland — sometimes there are “unofficial” groups run through rehab centers.
* Use county services: Leverage the Garrett County Behavioral Health Authority; they could help set up support or peer groups locally.

If you like, I can look specifically for stroke & brain injury support groups in or ''very near'' Oakland, MD (Garrett County) — I can map them out and send contact info. Do you want me to do that?