Our History
Since its launch in 2015, Heads Up! Durham has been focused on weaving traumatic brain injury awareness, prevention, policy and support into the fiber of Durham Region.
We value the recognition we have received over the years.
Related to our launch in 2015, Heads Up! Durham received recognition from:
Over the years Linda Lowery, Co-founder and Chairperson of Heads Up! Durham, has accepted the following awards on behalf of the Heads Up! Durham team:
We value the recognition we have received over the years.
Related to our launch in 2015, Heads Up! Durham received recognition from:
- Superintendent Adam Kelly, Durham Regional Police Service
- Dave Speed, Chief, Whitby Fire
- Frank Murphy, former Executive Director, Brain Injury Association of Durham
- Dr. Robert Kyle, Medical Officer of Health
Over the years Linda Lowery, Co-founder and Chairperson of Heads Up! Durham, has accepted the following awards on behalf of the Heads Up! Durham team:
- Brain Injury Canada - Volunteer of the Year, Eastern Canada
- Ontario Brain injury Association (OBIA) - Volunteer Award
- Ministry of Transportation - Road Safety Achievement Award Recipient
To view other highlights over the years, expand the sections below.
2015 - Community launch
|
|
|
A very successful community launch was held on Thursday Sept. 17, 2015.
Our Guest Speaker was Dr. Gabriela Ilie,
Associate Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto; Associate Adjunct Professor at University of Toronto and Social Scientist, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University
Our Guest Speaker was Dr. Gabriela Ilie,
Associate Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto; Associate Adjunct Professor at University of Toronto and Social Scientist, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University
Dr. Ilie’s research examined the epidemiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI), antecedents and consequences of TBI among diverse populations and also the neuropsychological aspects of traumatic brain injury, neuropsychological and biomarkers of brain injury.
Her publications have examined the links between TBI and mental health, substance use, violence and conduct behaviours and knowledge translation.
Her publications have examined the links between TBI and mental health, substance use, violence and conduct behaviours and knowledge translation.
Heads Up! Durham Launch Attendees
September 17, 2015
Heads Up! Durham received recognition for our important work in the community along with endorsements from key organizations.
2016 - 1st anniversary
Above: Presentations by Gordon and Kathleen Stringer, and Garrett Bell.
Gordon Stringer presented a very moving account of their journey to becoming advocates for concussion law in Ontario following the tragic death of their daughter, Rowan: Rowan’s Law
Gordon Stringer presented a very moving account of their journey to becoming advocates for concussion law in Ontario following the tragic death of their daughter, Rowan: Rowan’s Law
2020 - highlights
Throughout 2020, a most challenging year and our 5th anniversary, we maintained regular virtual Zoom meetings and continued to focus on awareness, prevention and enhanced support for brain injury! Our Social Media presence remained strong!
|
|
|
Celebrating 5 Years Serving our Community! Unfortunately COVID-19 put our 2020 celebrations on hold. We look forward to celebrating with you in the near future! Right: Ruth Wilcock, Executive Director, OBIA congratulated the team on 5 very successful years. 
MADD VigilFeb 2020: Attended the vigil put on by MADD Durham Region, a valued partner of Heads Up! Durham.
P.A.R.T.Y. Online Delivery Planning
Employment Support WorkshopOctober 2020: Conducted a virtual Employment Support Workshop for people who have suffered a Traumatic Brain injury (TBI) and want to return to work or gain employment. Keynote speakers: Garrett Bell, co-founder Heads Up! Durham; Tom Moutsatsos, Hicks Morley; and Holly Britton, DRPS.
Remembrance Day EventsNovember 2020: Participated in Whitby's virtual Remembrance Day Ceremony, given many veterans suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries.
Thanking Frontline Workers
|
Nominated!Jan 2020: Linda Lowery, Ted Dionne and Garrett Bell, co-founders of Heads Up! Durham, were nominated as CBC Community Champions.
Durham Region P.A.R.T.Y.Spring 2020: Durham Region became an official site for Sunnybrook Hospital’s P.A.R.T.Y. program (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma Among Youth)!!
June 2020: Our 1st annual ‘Rowan Stringer Commitment to Caring Scholarship’ was awarded to Jessica Head, a graduate of Henry St. HS, Durham District School Board (socially distanced).
June 2020: Participated in Sunnybrook Hospital's virtual P.A.R.T.Y. Online Delivery Plan meeting.
|
2021 - highlights