Joyce Gordon, CEO of Parkinson Society Canada and Chair of the Neurological Health Charities Canada coalition welcomed more than 300 members of the Canadian brain community to launch Canada’s first-ever National Brain Awareness Month in March, an effort to shine the spotlight on issues facing almost 11 million Canadians living with neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Guests included people living with brain conditions, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, health charities and policy makers from across Canada. Canadian comedian, Rick Green, was the evening’s emcee introducing keynote speakers including The Honourable Deb Matthews, Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and Carl Schoonover, author of the book, Portraits of the Mind: Visualizing the Brain from Antiquity to the 21st Century.

“Our goal is to create a platform for dialogue about brain health, and the issues facing so many Canadians and their families,” said Joyce Gordon.  “Individuals and organizations across Canada can leverage National Brain Awareness Month to increase public awareness and education, and to generate important discussions about public policy.”