Elaine Perkins, right, presents a pledge of $1,000 to Glenda James (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Brain Injury

Brain injury awareness month underway

Mar 1, 2019 | 9:23 PM

The month of March is Brain Health Awareness Month in Canada.

In this spirit, the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association (SBIA) and Saskatchewan Royal Purple Association (SRPA) held a media conference at the Prince Albert Inn to officially mark the beginning of the month.

Glenda James, the executive director of the SBIA spoke to the assembled crowd to talk about the importance of having a week focusing on such a topic.

“Brain health is a really important part of awareness about brain injury,” she said.

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James explained educating people about brain injuries is crucial in Saskatchewan given that one of the leading causes of the injuries is motor vehicle accidents, which includes vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.

“Helmet wear is so important, taking care of your brain is so important,” she said.

Along with James, there were speakers representing the Royal Purple, and Joe Hargrave, who was there on behalf of SGI.

The provincial Royal Purple play an important role when it comes to the work of the brain injury association as the service group has for the past five years been working to raise money to support the work of the SBIA.

Elaine Perkins, the secretary of Prince Albert Royal Purple Lodge 382, told paNOW she has noticed much more awareness about the issue of brain injuries.

“I think because everybody now is starting to recognize concussions more,” she said.

Perkins said in the past people did not take things, like being hit on the head, as being something which warranted much concern.

“We didn’t worry too much if we got a hit on the head years ago, it was get back and do you’re thing and keep on going,” she said.

The issue of brain injury has touched Perkins personally in a number of ways as her grandson suffered a serious injury 10 years ago, her dad suffered a stroke and other family members have suffered concussions.

“That’s just within a very small area,” she said.

In her time being involved with the Royal Purple and their efforts to raise money and awareness, Perkins has noticed some changes as when her son had his accident there was no major public advertising campaigns working to raise awareness about the issue.

“I am very happy to see where it is going,” she said.

People who are interested in supporting the Prince Albert Royal Purple and their fundraising efforts can do so by purchasing a ticket to the groups steak night, which is set for March 10 at Shenanigans.

“The proceeds go to the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association,” said Perkins.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn