Several events this month will promote awareness about brain injuries.
The events include a conference about the life-changing effects of concussions, a community picnic and a silent auction.
June is Brain Injury Awareness month.
On Saturday the Central Alberta Brain Injury Society (CABIS) and the Canadian Mental Health Association partner to host a public conference on concussions in the Frontier Room at Westerner Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event is called Concussion: A Game Changer.
Red Deer Rebels coach Jesse Wallin will speak about his experience with a concussion that ended his career in the NHL.
Other conference speakers include Dr. Martin Mrazik, who addresses evidence-based management of sport concussions; Dr. Peter Wass, who speaks about the pathway to recovery from traumatic brain injury; Derek Robinson, who talks about managing sport concussions and the pathway to recovery; and Bob McKenzie, executive director of the Shalom Counselling Centre in Red Deer, addresses facing fears after injury.
The conference is designed for athletes, coaches, people who have experienced brain injury and their families and health care professionals.
The cost is $20 including lunch. Call the mental health association to register or for more information at 403-342-2266.
On June 13 Central Albertans are invited to a free picnic drawing awareness about brain injuries.
CABIS will host its annual picnic at Red Deer Rotary Park from 5-8 p.m. with hot dogs and drinks supplied.
People are welcome to bring desserts or salads.
CABIS will also hold a silent auction at Parkland Mall on Saturday, June 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 17, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Proceeds will help CABIS provide workshops on brain injury prevention.
Anyone who wishes to donate a silent auction item can do so by calling program administrator Lorraine Irwin at 403-341-3463.