In 2021, The Trail Foundation donated $16,000.00 to support the launch of the Canadian research program on the impact of concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) on the Canadian military population, instituted by the Concussion Legacy Foundation – Canada
This research program, called OP ENLIST, aims to better understand the impact of concussions and its consequences on the physical and mental health of military personnel and veterans.
Today, concussions are better known. However, one of its consequences, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is much less known. Unfortunately, its effects are incurable and devastating. Initially identified in soccer, rugby and other contact sports players, this condition has also been identified in our military and veterans. “A link between CTE and potentially has a negative impact on other known medical conditions experienced by our veterans, including post-traumatic stress.
As a result of our donation, we were invited to visit the Addiction and Mental Health Research Centre in Toronto, one of North America’s leading research facilities in this area. After a two-year delay due to the pandemic, we were able to make good on this offer.
As Executive Director – The Trail, I was privileged to be welcomed by Dr. Isabelle Boileau, a researcher from the Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, who works at the Brain Health Imaging Centre of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Research (CAMH) which is affiliated with the University of Toronto.
Dr. Boileau gave us a tour of the center’s facilities and explained the importance of concussion research and its impact on the mental health and quality of life of those affected by CTE. I also had the chance to attend a very interesting presentation by a researcher on the current state of research in this field, as well as the impressive advancement of knowledge on the causes and possible treatments of CTE thanks to the financial support of organizations such as The Trail.
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the Research Centre is working with the Canadian Forces Medical Services and the Defence Research and Development Canada to better understand the impact of concussions on the lives of those who have suffered them.
The Trail is proud to be the first contributor to OP ENLIST for research in the area of traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military personnel and veterans.
This effort will undoubtedly increase awareness of this condition and allow for the discovery of treatments that will provide a better quality of life for our military and veterans.
Let’s work together for a better quality of life for those who have served and continue to serve Canada.
For more information
https://concussionfoundation.org/programs/project-enlist (en anglais seulement)