BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH
WHY DO WE NEED BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH?
In 2018, the Public Health Agency of Canada published a report, revealing that 50% of Canadians have little or no knowledge about concussion – the most common type of acquired brain injury – and that less than half of Canadians are aware of the concussion tools or resources that are available to them.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and education about brain injury. It is also one of the main reasons why, every year in June, brain injury associations and advocates across Canada join together for Brain Injury Awareness Month (BIAM) to raise awareness of this epidemic through posters, events, and social media.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH?
Spreading awareness is one of the most important steps we can all take to reduce the prevalence of brain injury and increase the public’s understanding of those affected by it. Brain Injury Awareness Month presents a vital opportunity to start a conversation about brain injury on a larger scale through local and national media as well as the various events and campaigns held throughout the country.
Having a month dedicated to brain injury awareness also promotes solidarity in the face of what is often an invisible disability. It reminds those affected by brain injury that they are not alone and directs them to the support programs available to them.
Community outreach in Saskatchewan schools. Photo courtesy of SBIA.
HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH?
With your help, we can de-stigmatize brain injury, educate the public on how to prevent them, and provide services for those living with them.
Here are a few ways that you can get involved and really make a difference:
Donate to the BrainLove campaign and help fund vital education and prevention initiatives as well as support programs for brain injury survivors. Click here to donate online.
Organize an event to fundraise for your local BrainLove partner or another brain injury-focused charity. You could also invite a speaker to present to your school, workplace, or sports organization to increase awareness and promote prevention.
Volunteer at an organization dedicated to preventing brain injury and supporting those affected by it. Click here to volunteer for BrainLove campaign.
Share your story about brain injury, whether it be your own experience as a survivor or as the loved one of a survivor. You can also share campaign materials and use the hashtags #BrainLoveCA and #BIAM in your social media posts to widen their reach. Click here to download a full-sized Brain Injury Awareness Month poster (PDF). Click here to download a smaller Brain Injury Awareness Month graphic for use on social media (JPEG).
