South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society

09/04/2026

🛴 Scooter Safety and Brain Injury Prevention 🛴

Scooter safety is always important, but it's especially important this time of year.

As students head back to school, we'll see more children and youth using scooters as they gain independence and travel to and from school, friends' homes, activities, and parks. More riders on sidewalks, pathways, and streets means it's a great time for everyone to refresh their safety habits.

Recent B.C. data found that emergency visits related to e-scooter injuries among youth more than doubled in one year. Of those injuries, 17% involved concussions. [cbc.ca]

The good news? Many injuries are preventable.

✅ Wear a properly fitted helmet
✅ Slow down around pedestrians and intersections
✅ Stay alert and avoid distractions
✅ Follow local rules and ride predictably

A concussion is a form of brain injury and can affect concentration, memory, balance, and a student's ability to learn and participate in everyday activities. Taking a few simple safety precautions can help keep young riders healthy, active, and ready for a successful school year.

Let's make scooter safety part of the back-to-school checklist and help support children's growing independence while keeping them safe.

09/04/2026

Housing Opportunity for Seniors (60+)

The South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society has a 2 bedroom unit available in our senior oriented building!

Eligibility Requirements:
• Must be a couple aged 60+
• Non smoking building
• No pets
• Applicants must not use a power operated mobility device

BC Housing Application:
If you already have a BC Housing application on file, great!

If not, you can easily apply through the link below:
https://housingapplication.bchousing.org/.../welcome...

If you or someone you know meets the criteria and is looking for safe, stable housing, please reach out to [email protected]

09/03/2026

SOSBIS Donation Request

Hello everyone,

SOSBIS is currently seeking a couple of donations to help support those we serve. We are looking for the following:

A small kitchen table, preferably a drop-leaf style or compact size (no chairs necessary) and a toaster. Items must be in good, gently used condition please.

If you have either of these items available to donate, or know someone who might, we would be incredibly grateful for your support.

Please reach out to arrange pickup:
(250) 490 – 0613 or [email protected]

Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community through your kindness and generosity!

09/03/2026

🚸 The school bell is almost ringing! 🚸

With students heading back to school in just a few days, let's all do our part to make our roads safer. ICBC reports that children are more than twice as likely to be involved in a crash during school commute times, and crashes involving minors increase by 37% in September. [icbc.com], [energeticcity.ca]

Slow down in school zones, put distractions away, and watch carefully for children walking, biking, scootering, or getting in and out of vehicles.

Many injuries from motor vehicle crashes can affect the brain. Even a seemingly minor collision can result in a concussion or traumatic brain injury, impacting learning, memory, attention, and emotional well-being.

A few extra seconds of patience behind the wheel can help protect a child's future.

09/02/2026

Today we recognize Indigenous Literacy Day, a celebration of the rich stories, cultures, and languages of Indigenous Peoples. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the barriers many Indigenous children and families face in accessing books, educational resources, and literacy supports.

At SOSBIS, we know that literacy and brain health are closely connected. Reading, writing, communication, and learning skills are all functions of the brain. When someone experiences a brain injury, whether through trauma, stroke, or other causes, they may face challenges with memory, attention, processing information, reading comprehension, language, and communication.

For Indigenous individuals living with a brain injury, culturally safe and accessible learning resources can play an important role in recovery and community connection. Literacy helps people understand health information, navigate services, advocate for their needs, and stay connected to their culture, language, and community. Access to Indigenous stories and First Languages can also support identity, belonging, and wellness throughout the recovery journey.

On Indigenous Literacy Day, we celebrate the power of stories, language, and education while recognizing that equitable access to literacy resources can help build stronger, healthier communities for everyone.

📚 Local Indigenous Literature Spotlight:

Looking for a way to celebrate Indigenous Literacy Day?

Explore the works of Theytus Books, Canada's oldest Indigenous-owned publishing house, located right here in Syilx Territory on the Penticton Indian Reserve. Since 1980, Theytus Books has championed Indigenous authors, illustrators, and artists, helping preserve and share Indigenous stories, languages, cultures, and knowledge for future generations.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.theytus.com/

Together, we can honour Indigenous voices, celebrate cultural knowledge, and recognize the important role literacy plays in lifelong brain health and recovery.

09/01/2026

This past Saturday, SOSBIS was proud to join many community partners at Penticton's International Overdose Awareness Day event in Gyro Park.

The day honoured those we have lost to the toxic drug crisis, supported those who continue to struggle, and reminded everyone that recovery, compassion, and connection matter. Community organizations came together to provide education, support, resources, free Naloxone training, and a free BBQ for attendees.

At SOSBIS, we recognize the connection between substance use, overdose, and brain injury. A lack of oxygen during an overdose can result in an acquired brain injury, creating lifelong challenges that often go unseen.

Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, community partners, first responders, and all who attended to remember, learn, and support one another. Together, we can reduce stigma, increase understanding, and help ensure that no one has to face these challenges alone.

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

💜 International Overdose Awareness Day 2026 💜

This year marks the 25th anniversary of International Overdose Awareness Day, a global campaign dedicated to remembering those lost to overdose, supporting grieving families and friends, raising awareness, and reducing the stigma associated with substance use and substance-related deaths.

The 2026 theme, "25 Years On. Still Needed," reminds us that overdose continues to affect individuals, families, and communities around the world. It also reinforces an important message: overdose is preventable through education, compassion, harm reduction, and community support.

At SOSBIS, we recognize that substance use and overdose can have far-reaching impacts, including acquired brain injuries caused by oxygen deprivation during an overdose. We also understand that recovery, healing, and prevention require a community that leads with understanding rather than judgment.

Today, we remember those we have lost, support those living with substance use challenges, and stand with the families, friends, first responders, healthcare workers, and community organizations working to save lives every day.

Together, we can:
💜 Reduce stigma
💜 Promote awareness and education
💜 Support harm reduction initiatives
💜 Encourage access to treatment and recovery supports
💜 Honor every life lost too soon

No one should have to grieve alone, and no one should have to face their struggles without support.

08/30/2026

When wildfire smoke fills the air, people living with a brain injury may notice increased fatigue, headaches, brain fog, dizziness, irritability, and sensory overload. Creating a cleaner indoor environment can help reduce exposure to smoke and support overall brain health.

One affordable option is to build a simple DIY air cleaner using a 20-inch box fan and a 20x20-inch MERV 13 furnace filter.

✅ Attach the MERV 13 filter to the back (intake side) of the fan.
✅ Make sure the airflow arrow on the filter points toward the fan.
✅ Seal all four sides with duct tape to prevent air leaks.
✅ Place the unit in the room where you spend the most time and keep windows and doors closed during smoky conditions.

Why MERV 13?

These filters are designed to capture many of the fine particles found in wildfire smoke while allowing sufficient airflow through a standard box fan.

During periods of poor air quality:

🏠 Stay indoors when possible
💧 Drink plenty of water
😴 Prioritize rest and recovery
🌬️ Use an air purifier or DIY filtered fan
🚪 Keep windows and doors closed when smoke is heavy

Protecting your lungs also helps protect your brain. Small steps to improve your indoor air quality can make a big difference during wildfire season.

08/29/2026

Wildfire smoke can affect more than your lungs.

It can also affect your brain health.

Poor air quality can increase fatigue, headaches, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and irritability, especially for people living with brain injuries, concussions, strokes, and other health conditions.

Did you know you can check local air quality conditions at any time?

📱 Visit:

• Environment Canada Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
• BC Air Quality
• Local weather forecasts and alerts

These resources can help you decide whether it's a good day for outdoor activities or if you should take extra precautions. [env.gov.bc.ca], [weather.gc.ca]

https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/provincial_summary/bc_e.html

Some simple ways to reduce smoke exposure:

✅ Keep windows and doors closed when smoke levels are high
✅ Use a HEPA air purifier if possible
✅ Change furnace filters regularly
✅ Create a "clean air room" in your home
✅ Stay hydrated and take breaks when symptoms increase
✅ Reduce strenuous outdoor activities during smoke events

Knowing the air quality before you head outside can help you make informed choices for your health and well-being.

Be kind to yourself. It's okay to slow down when air quality is poor.