North Oaks and BIALA Partner to Unmask Brain Injury

North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital is hosting “Unmasking Brain Injury” throughout August—a powerful art installation developed by the national Unmasking Brain Injury organization to raise awareness.

The free exhibit is located in the main lobby of North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital at 1900 S. Morrison Blvd. in Hammond. It is open to the public during hospital visiting hours from 8 am to 8:30 pm daily.

The traveling art exhibit’s stop in Hammond is made possible in partnership with the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana, which serves as Unmasking Brain Injury’s official state partner. The exhibit’s mission is to amplify the voices of individuals living with brain injuries, educating the public about the challenges and resilience involved in enduring and living with these often-invisible injuries.

Behind every mask is a deeply personal story told by a brain injury survivor. Each mask represents the artist's unique journey, with an accompanying narrative offering insight into their life before and after their injury. Some masks feature QR codes; when scanned with a smartphone, the code will link to a brief video of the artist sharing the story behind his or her mask. This storytelling approach helps visitors grasp the invisible nature of brain injuries and the strength required to overcome them.

The Unmasking Brain Injury art exhibit has traveled continuously across Louisiana since 2017. Currently, the collection features 120 masks with more in progress.

North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital is an inpatient medical rehabilitation hospital. It is dually accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and The Joint Commission. Its 27 private and barrier-free patient rooms are anchored by an 8,000 square-foot gym, featuring a kitchen and laundry area for patients to practice daily life skills essential for independence. Other amenities include a transitional living apartment and therapeutic garden. As of North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital’s reaccreditation survey in early 2025, the 30-year-old hospital continues to rank among the top 3 percent of 22,000 facilities worldwide surveyed by CARF for receiving no recommendations for improvement. In 2024, Newsweek named North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital to its list of America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers. Of the 300 inpatient rehabilitation facilities recognized out of the nation’s more than 1,100, North Oaks Rehabilitation Hospital was ranked in the top 10 for Louisiana.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, BIALA’s mission is to be the statewide resource for those impacted by brain and/or spinal cord injuries. Through its proven efforts in advocacy, awareness, education, prevention, and services, BIALA is the organization that professionals, families, and individuals living with brain and/or spinal cord injuries turn to for help, hope and healing. Proudly, BIALA is the only organization of its kind statewide. In 2011, BIALA became affiliated with the Brain Injury Association of America, the country’s oldest and largest nationwide brain injury advocacy organization. In 2015, it became the state’s exclusive affiliate/chapter of the United Spinal Association, a national organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and/or disorders. These affiliations are meaningful because they broaden BIALA’s commitment and ability to assist those impacted by brain and/or spinal cord injuries.