Valley First partnering with BrainTrust Canada
Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability under the age of 44, and it’s estimated that there are approximately 60 new cases of brain injury every day in B.C.
To bring increased awareness and understanding to the issue of brain injury, Valley First, a division of First West Credit Union, is partnering with BrainTrust Canada, an Okanaganbased, not-for-profit association.
“Giving back to our local communities has always been a huge part of who we are as an organization,” says Susan Ewanick, president of Valley First.
“We’re thrilled to partner with BrainTrust to bring awareness to this serious and under-recognized health issue.”
Valley First has donated $10,000 to development of a number of educational materials that will be targeted to specific groups. The final outcome will represent the latest in brain injury research and result in the creation of education and prevention tools that can be used by individuals with brain injury and their families, BrainTrust Canada staff, students in elementary, middle and high schools, nonprofit associations and other interested parties.
“The incidence of brain injury continues to rise and these injuries come at a huge financial cost to the economy and a lifelong personal cost to those with injury and their loved ones,” says BrainTrust CEO, Mona Hennenfent.
“The average lifetime cost for just one serious brain injury is conservatively estimated at $4 million. Our association strives to bring awareness through education and we are extremely pleased to partner with Valley First on this new program that we believe will reduce injuries and save lives.”
BrainTrust Canada has been in existence for over 30 years in the Okanagan. Its mission is to bring the issue of brain injury to the forefront, maximize the potential of those who have been affected by brain injury, as well as to reduce preventable brain injuries, especially among youth who are the highest risk for injury.