More support is coming for Nova Scotians living with an acquired brain injury.
An investment of $5 million will help fund initiatives recommended by the acquired brain injury advisory committee, an effort co-led by the Department of Health and Wellness and the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia.
“Thousands of Nova Scotians live with an acquired brain injury,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey. “It impacts people physically, emotionally and financially. This funding will support survivors and their caregivers with better programs, rehabilitation and co-ordinated care.”
An acquired brain injury is temporary or permanent brain damage or dysfunction caused by trauma from an external force, or by a medical issue or disease.
Over the next four years initiatives to support Nova Scotians living with an acquired brain injury include:
— expanding the IWK Home First program to help children with an acquired brain injury transition out of the hospital
— funding for the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia to provide survivors and families and caregivers with more information, education and support
— improving access to continuing care programs for acquired brain injury survivors in their communities by expanding eligibility criteria
— enhancing support for caregivers of individuals living with an acquired brain injury
This investment is part of a 10-year federal funding commitment of $286 million for initiatives related to youth, mental health, home and community care.
Investments will also be made in key areas to:
— expand integrated mental health and addiction services delivery for children and youth through school-based programs
— improve access to community-based mental health and addiction services (e.g. more mental health clinicians in the community, expanded crisis team coverage and improving the mental health crisis line)
— enhance continuing care services by providing additional supports through home adaptation and equipment loan programs, support for caregivers and expanded supports to First Nations communities and enhanced training for nurses and staff
Areas identified for investment are aligned with the objectives and priorities of the agreement with the federal government. More details on specific initiatives for Nova Scotia will be announced in the coming months.
The funding agreements are available at https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/transparency/health-agreements/shared-health-priorities.html .
Source: Release
