Alamo Head Injury Association [AHIA]

Deb Harper is the current president of Alamo Head Injury Association [AHIA]. AHIA was started in 1983 by family caregivers whose loved ones had suffered a traumatic brain injury or stroke. These caregivers joined forces to support one another as they recognized the increasing need for such an association in San Antonio and Bexar County. In 2016, Deb Harper’s husband was in an automobile accident that dramatically changed their lives.

As a new caregiver, Deb was desperate to find such a community as AHIA offers. Alamo Head Injury gathers once a month for support where survivors are offered education, entertainment, and an opportunity to share their experiences with other survivors.

Caregivers are given the option to meet with a certified neuro-psych counselor or someone with years of experience in supporting families dealing with acquired brain injury issues. At first, Deb’s husband was hesitant to participate with Alamo Head Injury, but for the last two years, he has served on the board of directors as a brain injury survivor representative. New members to the group see her husband’s progress and find hope.

AHIA receives money through foundations, grants, and private donations. AHIA’s Grants committee offers monetary grants to help acquired brain injury survivors and their families. These grants help with education, medical equipment, and other qualifying medical expenses. In one case, they helped an individual who was in a motorcycle accident and sustained catastrophic injuries. In order to return home from the hospital, he needed a specialized chair to properly hold his head, arms and legs. AHIA collaborated with CollectAbility and TBI Warrior Foundation to cover the total cost of the chair. He was able to go home safely.

AHIA’s other committees are fundraising, outreach & education, programs & support groups, and symposiums/conferences. March of 2024, they hosted their 23rd annual brain injury symposium for medical professionals of many disciplines.