VICTORIA, B.C.: Kristina Loewen, MLA for Kelowna Centre and the Official Opposition Critic for Social Development and Poverty Reduction issued the following statement highlighting the advocacy of Brain Trust Canada in addressing homelessness, addiction, and social disorder:

“For individuals and families living with acquired or traumatic brain injury, life can change in an instant. A fall, a car accident, a stroke or an act of violence can alter the path forward overnight, leaving people to navigate an uncertain and often isolating road to recovery.

“Organizations like BrainTrust Canada understand that recovery from brain injury is not just medical, it is social, emotional and communal. Their work reminds us that healing happens when people are supported with dignity, connection and community.

“Today, I am sharing an open letter from BrainTrust that highlights the critical link between traumatic brain injury and homelessness, and the urgent need for brain-injury-informed supports. Brain injury is disproportionately present among individuals involved in the justice system, those struggling with substance use and people living in poverty.

“Brain injury is too often the invisible factor behind someone’s struggle with homelessness, with some studies showing more than half of people experiencing homelessness have a history of traumatic brain injury. If we want to break the cycle of re-injury, substance use and street entrenchment, we must ensure that our housing, treatment and support systems are brain-injury-informed and accessible to those living with these challenges.”

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Media Contact:
Francesca Guetchev, Press Secretary
Francesca.Guetchev@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-0948