Thomas Lehrich announces Board of Directors Retreat in Seattle

The board of directors are meeting the first week of December on the UW campus for the annual retreat. As fall begins the board is busy planning the year of programming. 

Fall marks a time for planning and is a time for the earth’s autumnal equinox. 

Autumnal equinox is when the earth experiences nearly equal day and night, marking the official beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. 

This astronomical event occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, and for those in the Northern Hemisphere, days become shorter and cooler. 

We know the equinox is also associated with cultural celebrations, like harvest festivals, and increased activity all over the world. 

The board is meeting on the campus of University of Washington to complete the 2026 strategic plan and committee goals. 

The retreat and strategic sessions is designed to deliver high impact programming and education for the neurological community. 

Thomas Lehrich, Board Chair recognizes World Mental Health Day!🌍🧠

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10th. The World Federation for Mental Health established the date in 1992 to raise global awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

Many of us may have noticed that this year has been particularly challenging. From global politics to healthcare to the economy the world is experiencing higher stress.

We join the mental health community in bringing awareness in addressing mental health as part of Global Health Day.

On World Mental Health Day we raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and educate the community that individuals with traumatic brain injuries are affected with mental health conditions at an alarming high rate due to brain trauma.

This day provides an opportunity for stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

In the United States the impact goes beyond individuals, touching workplaces, schools and communities. For instance consider the below statistics.

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.

1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.

1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.

50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 10-14.

Plus One Foundation joins the community in providing programming and awareness in mental health.

Thomas Lehrich, Board President Announces Fall Program

The Plus One Foundation is excited to announce our upcoming fall program…Yoga with Plus One!

This is a sponsored free two month exercise class for individuals of all ages with neurological conditions or disabilities and/or their caregivers.

Classes are held every Friday, starting on September 5th, 2025, and ending on October 24th, 2025. The group meets at Garfield Community Center from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm every Friday.

In each class, certified fitness instructor Djazia Belle guides participants through slow, static yoga movements. This is a good opportunity for one to relax while improving their strength, balance, and flexibility. Each motion will have alternative modifications to ensure accessibility for everyone. The goal of this program is to improve the overall health of participants, as well as create a healing environment to build their community.

Please sign up for this program at: https://forms.gle/ZrgDa34mPeQYB1Q9A or tinyurl.com/yogawithplusone.

If you have any questions, you can email grants@plusonefoundation.org. Thank you for your interest!

 This program is funded by Seattle Parks and Recreation through their Recreation for All Grant.

Think About It Kicks off Fall Education Programming 🧠

By Thomas Lehrich, Jake Petersen and Kevin Johnston

With brain research as one of the last frontiers in medical research our yearlong education campaign on neurological conditions and TBIs is exciting for the community. Each quarter we feature educational information and outreach on a contemporary neurological topic.

We know that about 2.8 million Americans sustain brain injuries each year, and an estimated 5.3 million Americans are living with disabilities related to traumatic brain injury.  That means, for many, the effects of TBIs are long lasting.

We announce TBI26 Think aBout It. Each quarter we will continue to explore topics in traumatic brain injuries, music therapy and neurology, neurodegenerative diseases and resources for caregivers. 

In November we begin TBI26 with a segment on supplements. Traumatic brain injury continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our focus in November is looking at improving brain health knowing that TBIs are a contributor to future neurodegenerative conditions.

We explore the efficacy of supplements and alternative strategies being investigated in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. We will provide the latest on research focused on the benefits of supplements, nutrition, and alternative therapies for the treatment of TBI and subsequent symptoms. Supplements have shown beneficial outcomes when administered in pre-clinical models. The Plus One Foundation provides for the community therapies such as music therapy, movement and aquatics to help with symptoms associated with TBIs.

In November we provide an overview of both acute and chronic TBI-related symptoms, discuss the secondary mechanisms associated with TBIs, and highlight supplements, nutritional interventions, and alternative therapies that are at the forefront.

Thomas Lehrich board president recognizes NATIONAL NEONATAL NURSES DAY

By Thomas Lehrich

Plus One Foundation recognizes the contributions of neonatal nurses.

National Neonatal Nurses Day, observed each year on September 15, recognizes those who care for the most fragile patients as they take their first breaths. The celebration takes place in the middle of National Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month. 

Neonatal nurse specialists work with newborn infants who are delicate at birth due to a variety of reasons. They may have been born premature or born with birth defects, infection, neurological conditions, surgical issues, or heart problems. Neonatal nurses also provide care for healthy newborn infants immediately following their birth.

The day celebrates their dedication and commitment to the profession. It also is a way to encourage others interested in the field to take a closer look. With the growing demand for qualified neonatal nurses, the more students stepping up to the challenge of this satisfying career, the better.