Canadian Paraplegic Association Calls On Government To Fund Spinal Cord Research And Rehabilitation With Money From Fines

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Canadian Paraplegic Association Calls On Government To Fund Spinal Cord Research And Rehabilitation With Money From Fines



EDMONTON, May 28 /CNW/ - The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) is
calling upon the Alberta government to apply a portion of any increases in
traffic fines to fund spinal cord injury research and rehabilitation
initiatives.

In recent weeks, the Alberta government has asked for public feedback on
its proposal to dramatically increase fines for motor vehicle violations.

While public opinion is mixed about whether steeper fines would be an
effective deterrent, one fact is clear-motor vehicle collisions, many of which
result from motor vehicle infractions, are the cause of half of all spinal
cord injuries in our province.

Spinal cord injuries, along with traumatic brain injuries, are
collectively referred to as neurotrauma. Neurotrauma is the most catastrophic
of all conditions known to mankind, and its severity and permanence make it
one of the most expensive medical conditions in Canada in both human and
financial terms. However, research aimed at treating and preventing
neurotrauma is critically underfunded. Of the more than $500 million invested
annually in medical research in Canada, only about one percent goes toward all
injury research, which includes spinal cord and brain injury (1993
statistics).

Meanwhile, while we wait for a cure, people living with spinal cord
injuries must not be forgotten. Further government investment in quality
rehabilitation, wellness and pre-employment programs is critically needed for
spinal cord injury survivors and their families to maximize their independence
and life satisfaction, while easing their reliance on social support systems.

"Helping to fund spinal cord injury research and rehabilitation programs
and services couldn't be a more relevant use of the revenue windfall
anticipated from increasing traffic fines," says Neil Pierce, CEO of the
Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta). "This cause and effect model has
been successfully implemented in many U.S. jurisdictions, and its time has
come in Alberta. Channeling a portion of increased traffic fines would have
stronger deterrent value, given that violators would be educated about the
life-altering impact of catastrophic injury that goes hand in hand with poor
driving habits."

The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta), The Alberta Paraplegic
Foundation and other community partners have been working together since 1997
to raise public awareness and financial support for research aimed at spinal
cord injury research, rehabilitation and prevention.


Background Information

- Neurotrauma is an all-encompassing term used to describe spinal cord
injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Damage to the spinal
cord and brain is, for now, irreparable.

- The majority of neurotrauma victims and survivors are young men, the
reason for which is believed to be risk-taking behaviours associated
with this age group.

- In 1997, there were 105 inpatient injury hospitalizations in Alberta
where spinal cord injury was the primary diagnosis. At 41%, the
majority of these injuries were related to motor vehicle incidents.

- Over 7,000 Albertans are currently living with neurotrauma injuries,
and approximately 750 Albertans sustain serious neurotrauma each year.

- The annual health care costs for Albertans living with neurotrauma
injuries total about $528 million. Preventing just one severe
neurotrauma injury could save Albertans about $3.4 million over a
lifetime-and untold human suffering.

- The Alberta division of the Canadian Paraplegic Association is a
non-profit organization that assists people with spinal cord injuries
to achieve independence, self-reliance and full community
participation.

- The Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta) proposes that a portion
of traffic fine increases be channeled into a neurotrauma fund, to be
administered to the Victims of Crime Program. This program is currently
funded through the 15% surcharge on traffic fines.

- A permanent neurotrauma fund could be used for rehabilitation programs
to allow survivors to reach their potential and research projects to
leading to neurotrauma treatments and cures.

- In Edmonton, Mayor Bill Smith has declared the week of May 27th to June
2nd as "Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week".



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For further information: Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta),
(780) 424-6312