The City of Nanaimo Proclaims June as Brain Injury Awareness Month

Nanaimo, British Columbia, May 2005

Mayor Gary Korpan and City Council are pleased to proclaim the month of June as Brain Injury Awareness Month. Nanaimo Brain Injury Society participates in this national recognition by presenting education and prevention information throughout the Central Vancouver Island area during June. The Society has existed in Nanaimo for the past 17 years to meet the unique and diverse needs of all persons affected by acquired brain injury through responsive and innovative rehabilitation and prevention programs.

In BC alone 14,000 people will acquire a brain injury each year. NBIS believes that the majority of acquired brain injuries are preventable and the most cost effective approach to the problem is the development of effective prevention strategies. Executive Director June Herrington states,

“The Society believes in providing opportunities for persons with an acquired brain injury to experience life in a typical way, with emphasis on their individual abilities. ”

NBIS offers a variety of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of survivors, families and the community. To volunteer, donate, or learn more about Nanaimo Brain Injury Society programs and services please contact the office, Tuesday through Thursday, at 753-5600 or visit the staff at #101-55 Victoria Road, Nanaimo.                                                                          

NANAIMO BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY RECIEVES $1500.00 FROM WEYERHAEUSER

Nanaimo, British Columbia, April 2005

Nanaimo Brain Injury Society (NBIS) is the grateful beneficiary of $1500.00 to develop a Education, Prevention and Awareness Display to be used at events throughout the year, including June – National Brain Injury Awareness Month. Weyerhaeuser is pleased to help non-profit agencies to host educational and safety programs that contribute to healthier and happier communities.

NBIS believes that the majority of acquired brain injuries are preventable and the most cost effective approach to the problem is the development of prevention strategies. NBIS is committed to providing education and information on safety in sports and recreation.

• In 1996 British Columbia was the first province to mandate wearing bicycle helmets.
• In 1990, 106 cyclists were killed across Canada. By 2000, even with the increase in population, the number of cyclists killed had been reduced to 42.
• Bicyclists wearing helmets reduces the risk of acquired brain injury by 88%.

Nanaimo Brain Injury Society is committed to providing current and accurate information relevant to acquired brain injury. “Our education services focus on providing information to survivors, their families and caregivers on the neurological impact of brain injuries” states June Herrington, Executive Director. NBIS also provides information on strategies for achieving maximum independence in daily living.

NBIS meets the needs of our communities through the following programs: Intake Needs Assessment, Outreach Rehabilitation & Care Management, Disability Assistance, Group Support, and Education Prevention & Awareness, and Telephone Outreach Peer Support Programs.

NANAIMO BRAIN SOCIETY RECIEVES $3000.00 FROM VANCOUVER ISLAND BRAIN INJURY PROGRAM INJURY

Nanaimo, British Columbia, April 2005

With financial support from the VIHA Brain Injury Program, Nanaimo Brain Injury Society (NBIS) is excited to announce the development of a Telephone Outreach Peer Support Program. Trained survivors and caregivers will provide information, education, support and friendship to individuals coping with the effects of an acquired brain injury. In the fall of 2005 a new 1-800 toll free telephone line will be available to callers in the Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum Beach areas. Executive Director, June Herrington anticipates this important service will assist clients to overcome the geographical, medical and financial barriers to accessing services.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority Brain Injury Program supports programs and services designed to improve the quality of life for individuals impacted by an acquired brain injury. The goal of the rehabilitation program is to connect survivors and families with community based resources that provide support through the recovery process.

NBIS meets the needs of our communities through the following programs: Intake Needs Assessment, Outreach Rehabilitation & Care Management, Disability Assistance, Group Support, and Education Prevention & Awareness, and Telephone Outreach Peer Support Programs.

NANAIMO BRAIN INJURY SOCIETY RECIEVES $1200.00 FROM COASTAL COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION EMPLOYEES

Nanaimo, British Columbia, April 2005

Coastal Community Credit Union is proud to be active in building a better community through volunteering and fundraising. One of the ways employees make a difference is through Fundraising Fridays. In February 2005, Nanaimo Brain Injury Society was the grateful benefactor of approximately $1200.00 raised by Coastal Community Credit Union employees. Funds will be used to publish and distribute a bi-annual newsletter.

The Nanaimo Brain Injury Society provides programs and services to individuals with an acquired brain injury, their families, friends and caregivers. Executive Director June Herrington states,

“ Approximately 2,103 persons in the Central Vancouver Island area suffer from acquired brain injuries. Add to this number the addition of their families, friends and caregivers, and you have a significant rise in the number of individuals requiring the support services of the Nanaimo Brain Injury Society”.

NBIS initiatives build capacity in our communities by promoting the health and well-being of clients and educating the greater community about the impacts of an acquired brain injury. NBIS meets the needs of our communities through the following programs: Intake Needs Assessment, Outreach Rehabilitation & Care Management, Disability Assistance, Group Support, and Education Prevention & Awareness, and Telephone Outreach Peer Support Programs.