Canadian Brain and Nerve Health Coalition (CBANHC)

committed to improving the quality of life of Canadians
with brain, spinal cord or nerve disorders and injuries

About CBANHC

CBANHC, as a coalition, played a lead role from 2003-2008 in the development of an advocacy strategy for patients with neurological disorders, their families, care-givers, and health-care workers.

The Burden of Neurological Diseases, Disorders and Injuries in Canada, published in June, 2007, documented the economic burden (direct and indirect costs) of eleven of the most common neurological conditions and presented estimates of the disability burden inflicted by six of these conditions.

Objectives

The objectives of the CNSF pertaining to advocacy and leadership are:

To influence public policy in the interests of patients with diseases, disorders and injuries of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord and nerves).

To provide a national forum for communication of information regarding disorders of the nervous system.

To advocate on behalf of the CNSF membership and the profession, in general, in developing and maintaining a greater awareness of, and influencing perceptions about, neurological disorders.

Strategic Activities

To influence public policy in the interests of the patients its members serve, the CNSF will support CBANHC and the NHCC as they strive: To promote greater awareness of the enormous impact of neurological diseases and injuries in Canada;

To work for timely access to cost-effective diagnostic services, comprehensive treatments, and rehabilitation for Canadians with nervous system disease or injury;

To build support for the unique needs of Canadians living with the long-term and often progressive physical and mental disabilities caused by nervous system disease or injury;

To advocate vigorously for increased resources and funding to expand basic, translational, clinical, and outcomes neuroscience research in Canada.

Moving Forward

Current plans for CBANHC, moving forward have been approved by the CNSF Executive Committee, and are effective immediately. These changes may be viewed within the Governance tab of the Member's Centre (CNSF Username and Password required).

Contact Us

Should you have any questions, please contact Dan Morin, CNSF CEO.

Getting the Word Out

Social Media

• Follow us on twitter and facebook @ CNSF_NeuroLinks

Government Updates

• SENATE DEBATES NATIONAL BRAIN STRATEGY (February 2011)

Letters of Support

The Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation, continues to provide support of initiatives assisting the Canadian neurological community:

• This section is currently under development

Canadian

Brain Canada (formerly NeuroScience Canada)
The Case for Canada’s Increased Investment in Neuroscience Research

Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Transforming Care for Canadians with Chronic Health Conditions: Put People First, Expect the Best, Manage for Results

Canadian Brain and Nerve Health Coalition (CBANHC)
The Burden of Neurological Diseases, Disorders and Injuries in Canada

Health Council of Canada
A Citizen’s Guide to Health Indicators A Reference Guide for Canadians

Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC)
A Brain Strategy for Canada (NHCC)
Stratégie canadienne sur le cerveau (OCNC)

Public Health Agency of Canada
National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions

International

Academy of Medical Sciences (UK)
A new pathway for the regulation and governance of health research

Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC)

In 2008, a new coalition, called Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC), was formed by most of the VHOs that represent specific neurological disease/disorder groups from across Canada to serve as one voice that will provide a stronger sense of community and influence for positive change.

The NHCC rapidly evolved into an effective organization that has obtained financial support from both the Federal and Ontario governments for two important projects concerning the incidence and management of the disabilities caused by chronic neurological conditions.

Because CBANHC and the NHCC have almost identical objectives, the CNSF accepted the invitation to join the NHCC and to channel its current advocacy efforts though that coalition. This decision does not alter the basic premise of CBANHC, which will continue to function as the Advocacy Committee of the CNSF.

Background

According to a 2006 report conducted by the World Health Organization, “a large body of evidence shows that policy-makers and health-care providers may be unprepared to cope with the predicted rise in the prevalence of neurological and other chronic disorders and the disability resulting from the extensions of life expectancy and aging populations globally.” 

Despite the enormous impact of the more than 1,000 neurological and psychiatric diseases, disorders and injuries, there is very little understanding of these conditions as one grouping.  The lack of detailed data regarding incidence, prevalence and impact of chronic neurological disease and disorders in Canada is a critical barrier to advocating for Canadians affected by these conditions.  All neurological disorders share common experiences as well as common links with one another, yet currently, there is no unifying body representing the interests of the neuroscience umbrella as a whole. 

To address this issue, a group of neurological disease charities have banned together, forming the Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC).  The NHCC will warrant more attention as a collective constituency, will be able to expand reach and knowledge of neurological disorders, as well as put neuron degenerative disease on the map with federal policy makers.  Founding members include the ALS Society of Canada, Alzheimer Society of Canada, Epilepsy Ontario, Huntington Society of Canada, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, NeuroScience Canada, Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, Parkinson Society Canada,  Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association, Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada. The CNSF is also a member.

Mandate

The Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC) is committed to advocating for neurological diseases, disorders and injuries.  The NHCC will serve as one voice, providing a stronger sense of community and influence for positive change.  The NHCC aims to improve the quality of life of those with a neurological disorder through education, advocacy, research and improved methods of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. The NHCC will also position neurological disease as a major chronic disease, focusing on the importance of conducting a nationwide epidemiological study as well as a disease management and prevention strategy for Ontario.

For additional information on the NHCC please visit their web site.