Health and Community Services
June 18, 2015
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services:
Brain Injury Awareness Month Recognized in Newfoundland and Labrador
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize National Brain Injury Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada.
With June being National Brain Injury Awareness Month, it provides an opportunity to stress the importance of learning more about the impact of brain injuries. Each year, thousands of Canadians incur a traumatic brain injury and the majority of are young adults.
We are committed to ensuring safe and healthy communities in Newfoundland and Labrador and as part of this we have made injury prevention a key component of our Provincial Wellness Plan. Our government provides annual funding of approximately $22,700 to the provincial chapter of the Brain Injury Association and nearly $20,000 to the Newfoundland and Labrador Injury Prevention Coalition.
Through the Provincial Wellness Plan, we have partnered with other government departments, regional health authorities, regional wellness coalitions and community groups to promote safety and prevent injuries through public awareness campaigns. These campaigns have been implemented in partnership with Service NL and focus on areas such as safe use of booster seats and most recently, bicycle helmet legislation.
Bike helmets are now mandatory on all public roadways in our province. Statistics show that a properly fitted bicycle helmet can decrease the risk of serious head injury by as much as 85 per cent. This amendment has strengthened our legislation, protecting individuals, children and families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
I call on all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to join me in recognizing National Brain Injury Awareness Month and encourage everyone to be mindful of safety every day to avoid injuries.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
2015 06 18 1:45 p.m.