TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 1, 2011) - Tonight, 300 members of the Canadian brain community will come together to launch Canada's first-ever National Brain Awareness Month, an effort to shine the spotlight on issues facing almost 11 million Canadians living with brain conditions (neurological and psychiatric).

Neurological Health Charities Canada will host people living with brain conditions, caregivers, researchers, clinicians, health charities and policy makers. Canadian comedian, Rick Green, will anchor a program of speakers including The Honourable Deb Matthews, Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, and keynote speaker, Carl Schoonover. BRAINWAVE 2011 marks the first Canadian stop for author Carl Schoonover to speak about his new book, Portraits of the Mind: Visualizing the Brain from Antiquity to the 21^st Century.

The NHCC will also present 'Change-Maker Awards' to three organizations being recognized for demonstrating leadership in inclusion, innovation and integration for the benefit of people living with brain conditions. Recipients will be announced tonight.

"We're looking forward to a great event that harnesses the momentum building around the brain and neurological conditions across Canada," says Joyce Gordon, Chair of Neurological Health Charities Canada. "Our hope is that BRAINWAVE 2011 helps create a platform for increased collaboration and dialogue. With as many as 11 million Canadians affected, we can't ignore the social, health and economic impact of brain conditions any longer. It will take all of us working together to make brain health a priority."

Events for Brain Awareness Month will be taking place in communities across the country and will be updated regularly on the NHCC's website at www.mybrainmatters.ca. Some events being organized in March include:

• Progress Meeting: National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions, March 1-2, 2011 at the Westin Prince Hotel, Toronto, hosted by Neurological Health Charities Canada & Public Health Agency of Canada.
• ALS Society of Canada's Moustache March – Grow a moustache in March and raise money for ALS.
• Muscular Dystrophy Canada's Buck-4-Luck – Purchase a lucky shamrock for $1.00 from Lowes stores across Ontario, participating pubs, and restaurants until March 17.
• Canadian Epilepsy Alliance's Purple Wonderland Spring Gala – This purple party held on March 26^th in London, Ontario celebrates 25 years of fundraising.
• Alzheimer Society Canada's Annual Alzheimer's Disease International Conference – This conference brings together 1,500 professionals in the dementia community on March 26-29 in Toronto.
• Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada's Trek for Tourette – On March 27th, communities across Canada will enjoy a five-kilometre outdoor walk to raise money and awareness.

Established in 2008, Neurological Health Charities Canada is a coalition of 24 health charities that work together to improve the quality of life for all Canadians living with a neurological condition. The NHCC advocates for a comprehensive National Brain Strategy to ensure research, prevention, treatments and supports for those living with chronic brain conditions are universally accessible and appropriately funded.