Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission, has introduced the ‘Brain Injury Support Act’.
A press release says the bill wants to add a definition of brain injury to the Mental Health Act, and ensure significant brain injuries will be recognized under the Mental Health Act for treatment purposes.
“Despite the seriousness of the impairment, people living with acquired brain injury can still fall into a gap between systems, diagnoses, and statutory categories,” said Dew. “This bill will ensure that people with brain injuries don’t fall through the cracks of the healthcare system.”
“At its core, this bill is about dignity – ensuring that individuals with brain injury are seen, supported, and given a fair opportunity to recover within appropriate systems of care,” said Amanda McFarlane, Executive Director of BrainTrust Canada.
The press release also says by recognizing significant brain injuries within the framework of the Mental Health Act, people suffering from them will be able to receive the care and support they need.
“As this province mourns a decade of losing loved ones, I hope that all MLAs can unite around this small change that can make a massive difference,” said Dew.
