News Release Archive

HEALTH--DEPARTMENT TO FUND PROJECT FOR BRAIN INJURED SURVIVORS
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Health Minister Jim Smith announced today the Department of
Health will fund the residential pilot project for brain injured
survivors proposed by the Brain Injury Association of Nova
Scotia. The minister also announced the department will establish
a working group to review the range of services available for
people with brain injuries.

The two announcements were made at the association's eighth
provincial conference being held in Halifax.

"Working in partnership with the Brain Injury Association, we are
confident the pilot project announced today will bring us one
step closer to meeting the health care needs of brain injured
survivors," said Dr. Smith.

The project will help to enhance the care for individuals with
brain injuries. It will be designed to offer them a balance of
support and the right to independence and personal development.

"This is the beginning of a continuum of care that will be very
beneficial to brain injured survivors," said Barbara Hart,
executive director of the Brain Injury Association of Nova
Scotia. "I congratulate the provincial government for identifying
and responding to the need."

In Nova Scotia last year, there were approximately 551 brain
injured survivors, including those who had an aneurysm, brain
tumour and brain injuries. In addition, there were 1,268 Nova
Scotians who suffered strokes.

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Contact: Sue McKeage
         Department of Health
         902-424-3581
         E-mail: mckeagsm@gov.ns.ca

ngr                September 19, 1997                9:40 am