HALIFAX, NS (MARCH 27, 2024) – Good science is made possible only by good data. That’s why Parkinson Canada is investing in the Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) – the largest and most diverse research network of its kind in the country, connecting researchers, people with Parkinson’s, and data, to accelerate life-changing discoveries for the Parkinson’s community.
Parkinson Canada is thrilled to announce the opening of a new C-OPN site in Halifax, Nova Scotia that will provide the opportunity for individuals living with Parkinson’s in the area to be part of a national network. The Atlantic Canada community will be joining over 1,700 individuals impacted by Parkinson’s from across the country already participating in groundbreaking research. Now with eleven sites in nine cities across Canada (Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, London, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, and now, Halifax) C-OPN is the largest and most diverse research network focused on Parkinson’s research in the country.
“Parkinson Canada is dedicated to improving the lives of the 100,000 people living with Parkinson’s in Canada. These efforts include investing in promising Parkinson’s research, and by connecting researchers from coast to coast to coast,” says Karen Lee, President and CEO, Parkinson Canada. “We know there is strength in numbers, and by expanding data access and creating opportunities for collaboration, we’ll help to fuel research that will change the future for people living with Parkinson’s in Canada.”
The C-OPN Halifax site was made possible thanks to a generous donation from Sheila Bannon and her late parents, Eileen and Doug Bannon, in loving memory of their sister and daughter, Jane Bannon. Parkinson Canada and C-OPN are deeply grateful to Sheila Bannon and her family for inspiring and empowering Canadians with Parkinson’s to live well.
“We hope that the new C-OPN site in Halifax will increase Eastern Canadian participation in the network, including researchers and people living with Parkinson’s. We look forward to engaging with the Parkinson’s community here, and connecting them with the C-OPN network across Canada,” says Dr. Lee.
Ways to get involved
- If you’re living with Parkinson’s and would like to get involved in research, or for researchers who would like to access C-OPN or funding, please visit www.parkinson.ca/research
- Expanding Parkinson’s support and research would not be possible without community support. To make a gift, please visit www.parkinson.ca/donate.
- If you’re interested in being a C-OPN participant in Halifax, sign up at www.copn-rpco.ca/participants
C-OPN is founded by Parkinson Canada and Brain Canada, through the Canada Brain Research Fund, with financial support from Health Canada.
About Parkinson Canada
At Parkinson Canada, people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything we do. We empower the Parkinson’s community through tailored programs, innovative research and raising the voice of Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s. A national registered charity, Parkinson Canada fulfils its mission through the generosity of donors and is an accredited organization under the Imagine Canada Standards Program.
Please visit parkinson.ca, call 1-800-565-3000 or email info@parkinson.ca in English or French for more information, to get involved or to support Canadians affected by Parkinson’s by making a donation.
Join the conversation, find Parkinson Canada on Facebook, X and Instagram.
About C-OPN
The Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) is a research participation platform bridging scientists, clinicians, and people with Parkinson’s disease to accelerate disease-altering discoveries. With innovation not achievable in any single laboratory or clinic anywhere in the world, C-OPN centralizes the Canadian research landscape to be leveraged for cutting-edge discoveries through principles of Open Science and Open Data. Our mission is to revolutionize the research landscape to drive positive change and support living well with Parkinson’s.
Please visit https://copn-rpco.ca/ or email national.manager@copn-rpco.ca in English or French for more information.
Find C-OPN on social media on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, or YouTube.
Media Contact
Amanda Carvalho
Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations