Judd Recognized for ‘Dedication and Commitment’ to Brain Injury Survivor Community
Judd Recognized for ‘Dedication and Commitment’ to Brain Injury Survivor Community
MBIPC president receives 2022 Education Award from Brain Injury Association of Michigan
BRIGHTON, Mich.—(May 20, 2022)—Tom Judd, president of the Michigan Brain Injury Provider Council (MBIPC), today received the 2022 Education Award from the nonprofit Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI), recognizing his “dedication and commitment” to the brain injury survivor community.
The award was announced this morning at BIAMI’s Annual Meeting. A letter from attorney Tom Sinas, who serves as the chairperson of the BIAMI Awards Committee, noted that Judd’s “efforts informing and educating the legislature and the general public about the fallout from the change in Michigan’s Auto No-Fault Law have been outstanding.”
Michigan’s new auto insurance law—particularly the government-mandated 45% cut in care for catastrophic crash victims that was passed as part of reform—has created a crisis of care for the thousands of survivors in the state. A survey earlier this year from the nonprofit public health institute MPHI found that in just the first four months of the implementation of the 45% cut, 1,548 auto crash survivors were discharged from their care, 3,049 jobs were eliminated, 96 companies are now unable to accept referrals with auto insurance funding, and 21 companies completely closed down operations.
MBIPC Immediate Past President Tim Hoste praised Judd’s leadership and communication skills as MBIPC fights for a fair fix that will protect crash survivors and keep providers in business. Hoste also noted the dozens of hours Judd spent working with reporters to tell the story of the Michigan care crisis in the media.
“Tom has done a phenomenal job leading our association during a challenging time for our industry — a time when our members are suffering from the adverse effects of an illogical and draconian state law,” Hoste said. “His tireless efforts have ensured that the devastating impact of Michigan’s new auto insurance law will continue to be heard in the public sphere and the Legislature.”
Added Tom Constand, president of BIAMI: “A key part of BIAMI’s mission is to improve the lives of those living with brain injuries—and to make that mission a reality, we need the public and especially those in power to understand the needs of the survivor community. Tom has played an integral role in advocating for survivors and fighting to ensure their voices are heard. We are proud to recognize him with this award.”