The local branch of the Northern Brain Injury Association (NBIA) is increasing services for brain-injured people as well as others who could benefit from the programs.
The new services include case management, new social activities and increased brain injury prevention and education, and new support groups, including groups for families, said Tekah Sabal from the local NBIA branch.
The Brain Injury Alliance, a provincial brain injury organization, applied for money from the provincial government and forwarded $91,252 to the local branch of the association after the government announced it was giving $3 million to brain injury organizations in the province.
The northwest branch coverage area includes Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, the Nass Valley and Haida Gwaii.
“There’s a lot requesting education and professional development [services],” said Sabal, adding that schools and high schools are getting presentations on distracted driving, concussion awareness and management.
Northern Health has also requested professional development sessions for its homecare and community nurses, added Sabal.
Kitselas will hold a bike rodeo to teach children the proper way to wear helmets and ride bikes later this month, she added.
The association also did helmet checks at Shames Mountain.
Did you know:
• The current rate of brain injury in Canada per year is greater than all breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDs and spinal cord cases combined.
• Strokes (cerebrovascular accidents) are brain injuries.
• Acquired brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability for Canadians under the age of 40.
• Falls are a major cause of brain injury, and the number one location for falls is the home.
– From Northern Brain Injury Association of BC website –