Latest news with #publicawareness
National Post
3 days ago
- General
- National Post
When Overdose Doesn't Kill – But Still Harms –Ontario Brain Injury Association Raises Alarm
Article content TORONTO — When a person survives an opioid overdose, the danger may not be over. In fact, the harm may be just beginning. Article content The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) is launching a new public awareness campaign during Brain Injury Awareness Month to highlight a little-known consequence of non-fatal overdose: brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation. Article content 'We often associate the opioid crisis with tragic loss of life,' says Ruth Wilcock, Chief Executive Officer of OBIA. 'But what's less visible are the survivors, many of whom are living with brain injuries that can change their lives forever.' Article content Research suggests that for every one fatality due to overdose, there are approximately 15 nonfatal overdoses¹, many resulting in hypoxic or anoxic brain injuries. These injuries are often invisible and remain undiagnosed, yet they can significantly affect a person's memory, focus, emotional regulation, and mobility. Article content Between 2016 and 2021, more than 27,000 opioid poisoning hospitalizations occurred in Canada.² The majority were non-fatal, yet the long-term impact on survivors often goes unnoticed. Many are discharged from hospital care without any assessment or follow-up for possible brain injury. Article content 'A person may survive, but then struggle with attention, impulsivity, or organizing their thoughts,' explains Wilcock. 'Without an understanding that these symptoms could be related to brain injury, they may be seen as unmotivated or resistant to treatment, which only adds to the stigma.' Article content This disconnect is what OBIA's new campaign seeks to address. The crisis is clear – the injury is hidden. Those who survive an overdose often carry forward lasting and invisible brain injuries, frequently undiagnosed, unsupported, and misunderstood. Article content Through this campaign OBIA is calling for: Article content 'We need to start connecting the dots,' says Wilcock. 'It's not enough to save a life. We must also support the life that continues after overdose.' Article content The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) is a charitable organization supporting individuals living with acquired brain injury (ABI). OBIA offers education, advocacy, peer support, and professional training. It also connects individuals to local brain injury associations and resources across Ontario. Learn more at Article content . Article content References: Article content 1. Casillas, S. M., Pickens, C. M., Tanz, L. J., & Vivolo-Kantor, A. M. (2024). Estimating the ratio of fatal to non-fatal overdoses involving all drugs, all opioids, synthetic opioids, heroin or stimulants, USA, 2010-2020. Injury prevention : Journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention, 30 (2), 114–124. 2. Public Health Agency of Canada (2022). Opioid and Stimulant-related Harms in Canada: Hospitalization Trends (January 2016–June 2021). Health Canada (2023). Opioid-Related Poisonings and Anoxic Brain Injury: A Descriptive Analysis of Hospitalization Data (2019–2020). Brain Injury Canada (n.d.). Opioid Overdose and Brain Injury. Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content MEDIA CONTACT: Article content Article content Ruth Wilcock Article content Article content Article content Article content
Associated Press
3 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
When Overdose Doesn't Kill – But Still Harms –Ontario Brain Injury Association Raises Alarm
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 3, 2025-- When a person survives an opioid overdose, the danger may not be over. In fact, the harm may be just beginning. The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) is launching a new public awareness campaign during Brain Injury Awareness Month to highlight a little-known consequence of non-fatal overdose: brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation. 'We often associate the opioid crisis with tragic loss of life,' says Ruth Wilcock, Chief Executive Officer of OBIA. 'But what's less visible are the survivors, many of whom are living with brain injuries that can change their lives forever.' Research suggests that for every one fatality due to overdose, there are approximately 15 nonfatal overdoses¹, many resulting in hypoxic or anoxic brain injuries. These injuries are often invisible and remain undiagnosed, yet they can significantly affect a person's memory, focus, emotional regulation, and mobility. Between 2016 and 2021, more than 27,000 opioid poisoning hospitalizations occurred in Canada.² The majority were non-fatal, yet the long-term impact on survivors often goes unnoticed. Many are discharged from hospital care without any assessment or follow-up for possible brain injury. 'A person may survive, but then struggle with attention, impulsivity, or organizing their thoughts,' explains Wilcock. 'Without an understanding that these symptoms could be related to brain injury, they may be seen as unmotivated or resistant to treatment, which only adds to the stigma.' This disconnect is what OBIA's new campaign seeks to address. The crisis is clear – the injury is hidden. Those who survive an overdose often carry forward lasting and invisible brain injuries, frequently undiagnosed, unsupported, and misunderstood. Through this campaign OBIA is calling for: 'We need to start connecting the dots,' says Wilcock. 'It's not enough to save a life. We must also support the life that continues after overdose.' About Ontario Brain Injury Association The Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) is a charitable organization supporting individuals living with acquired brain injury (ABI). OBIA offers education, advocacy, peer support, and professional training. It also connects individuals to local brain injury associations and resources across Ontario. Learn more References: 1. Casillas, S. M., Pickens, C. M., Tanz, L. J., & Vivolo-Kantor, A. M. (2024). Estimating the ratio of fatal to non-fatal overdoses involving all drugs, all opioids, synthetic opioids, heroin or stimulants, USA, 2010-2020. Injury prevention : Journal of the International Society for Child and Adolescent Injury Prevention, 30 (2), 114–124. 2. Public Health Agency of Canada (2022). Opioid and Stimulant-related Harms in Canada: Hospitalization Trends (January 2016–June 2021). Health Canada (2023). Opioid-Related Poisonings and Anoxic Brain Injury: A Descriptive Analysis of Hospitalization Data (2019–2020). Brain Injury Canada (n.d.). Opioid Overdose and Brain Injury. View source version on CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth Wilcock Chief Executive Officer Ontario Brain Injury Association [email protected] (855) 642-8877 x238 KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: NEUROLOGY OTHER PHILANTHROPY BIOTECHNOLOGY PHARMACEUTICAL GENERAL HEALTH HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH PHILANTHROPY SOURCE: Ontario Brain Injury Association Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 06/03/2025 02:09 PM/DISC: 06/03/2025 02:09 PM
Free Malaysia Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Home minister Saifuddin's WhatsApp account hacked
Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's office said the public should be wary of calls or messages from those claiming to be the minister. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail's WhatsApp account has been hacked, his office revealed this evening. Saifuddin's office said it has reported the matter to the authorities. 'We would like to remind the public to be wary of calls or messages from those claiming to be Saifuddin, especially if it involves money or to set up a meeting,' it said in a statement. The office said it regretted the actions of the hackers, and hoped that the public would not be easily duped by such calls or messages. 'We would also like to advise the public to be aware of scammers on social media and report these hackers to the authorities,' it said.
Times
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Times
Can Scots be convinced to turn off the taps?
The warnings, each more serious than the last, have been sounding all spring. Scotland is facing its driest start to the year in six decades. Water levels are under threat across the whole country, according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa). Even the Hebrides, often ranked among the the rainiest places in Europe, are on an early warning for drought. The entire west of the country is on 'alert'. It's no revelation that Scotland's climate is changing. Now experts say that Scots' liberal attitude to water consumption has to as well. Scots consume far too much — data suggests far more than other countries — and as dry seasons become more frequent, there is a risk of further shortages. Can the public be convinced
Malay Mail
15-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Fahmi urges JKom and JaPen to boost public awareness on Malaysia's pivotal role as Asean Chair, especially in rural areas
KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — The Community Communications Department (JKom) and the Information Department (JaPen) have been asked to intensify efforts to enhance public awareness and understanding about Malaysia's role as Asean Chair in 2025, especially in rural communities. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said continuous outreach is essential to help Malaysians understand the benefits of assuming the Asean Chairmanship, particularly in terms of economic spillovers. 'I call on JKom and JaPen to help more Malaysians grasp what it means to be the host (of Asean). For those in villages or towns with hotels, for instance, I'm sure they'll see the influx of international delegates, which is part of the economic benefits.' Fahmi said this at the ministry's 2024 Excellent Service Awards Ceremony (Peninsular Zone) at the Seri Angkasa Auditorium, Angkasapuri Media City, here today, which was also attended by Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching and secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa. JKom director-general Datuk Ismail Yusop and JaPen director-general Julina Johan, as well as Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, were in attendance. A total of 691 staff of the Communications Ministry and its agencies, including 63 from Bernama, received the awards during the event. Expanding on the matter, Fahmi said that beyond the upcoming Asean Summit on May 26-27, Malaysia will also host the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit, both are key platforms for addressing regional and global challenges. 'This matters for Malaysians, especially in light of recent developments like the United States' announcement of its tariff rates on various countries, including Malaysia and our Asean partners. It's a clear signal that we need to act proactively to support Asean member states,' he said. Fahmi also noted Malaysia's leadership on digital governance issues, pointing out the country's unique success in officially licensing the Telegram app. 'Some countries were surprised by how we managed to engage with Telegram's founders. When it comes to big tech, many believe they're bigger than nations. But our stance is simple; you can be big tech, but our laws are bigger,' he added. — Bernama
