BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit

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BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit

We want to reduce the societal and economic burden of injury in BC.

The BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit (BCIRPU) continues its successful program of injury surveillance and research, which has contributed to the understanding and prevention of injury in BC and beyond, and which has attracted significant research grant funding and added to the scientific and professional literature. The Unit continues to be a leader in the development and evaluation of evidenc

e‐based prevention strategies, and to maintain a solid reputation among provincial, national and international injury prevention communities. Serving as a hub, BCIRPU plays a central role in coordinating and supporting injury prevention initiatives throughout the province and Canada. Strategic relationships with governments, health authorities, injury prevention networks, research institutes and NGOs builds capacity to better address injury prevention in BC and beyond.

06/05/2026

Who do you think will be NBA champions this year? 🏀 🏆

Whether you’re playing a pick-up game or chasing a win at nationals, you don’t want to be sidelined by an injury. Back, eye, and ankle injuries are common in basketball.

- Don’t skip the warm-up
- Look into wearing ankle supports
- Consider goggles to avoid eye injuries

05/15/2026

Three simple actions can help prevent window and balcony falls this summer: 🌞

1. Move furniture, plants, and boxes away from open windows - children can often climb before they can walk! 🎍 🛋
2. Install locks so windows cannot open more than 10cm wide. Screens keep bugs out, not children in. 🔒
3. Supervise young children near windows, decks, and balconies. Don’t underestimate a child’s mobility. 👶🏽

05/08/2026

A HUGE congratulations to BCIRPU Director Dr. Shelina Babul, who received the 2026 YWCA BC Women of Distinction Award – Health & Wellness!

Dr. Babul was recognized for her work in injury prevention and health promotion, particularly on the issue of concussions through the Concussion Awareness Training Tool - CATT resource.

"Health and wellness means more than just the absence of injury or illness. It’s about equity, advocating for prevention, and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live a safe and healthy life," Dr. Babul said at the May 7 awards gala.

"This award reinforces the importance of the work we do and the responsibility we carry for the well-being of others. Thank you to my family, friends, and colleagues for your constant support, and to the YWCA for shining a light on the important work ALL the nominees tonight are doing."

05/07/2026

There are a lot of ways to support the new parents in your life:

- offer to help clean or deliver groceries or food 🍓🍝
- let them know you’re thinking of them 💭
- listen and support them 🗣 ❤

05/06/2026

Taking care of your children starts with taking care of yourself.

This World Maternal Mental Health Day, we’re highlighting the role of maternal mental health and well-being in supporting confident caregiving and healthy family experiences.

Resources and supports are available to help parents and caregivers navigate pregnancy and postpartum with confidence on the Pregnancy & Parent Learning Centre.

Topics include:
- Mental Health and Well-Being
- Infant Crying
- Caring for Yourself
- Staying Safe During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Seeking support is a sign of strength.

Access the Pregnancy & Parent Learning Centre through the link in bio (learningcentre.perinatalservicesbc.ca).

05/04/2026

BCIRPU staff participated in the annual UBC Faculty and Staff Sports Day!

The team rode a RAD bike, learned a cheer routine, and navigated a ball through an obstacle course using only a sq**rt bottle.

05/02/2026

Happy race weekend to all BMO Vancouver Marathon runners!

Remember to rest, fuel, and warm-up in preparation for tomorrow’s race. Now is not the time to try anything new.

Whether you’re doing the 8km, half, full, or relay, we wish you a good race and recovery.

Active & Safe Central has more tips on preventing running-related injuries.

RUNVAN

04/29/2026

Across , 33 road safety projects have gotten the green light!

Funding from the BC Vision Zero in Road Safety Grant Program is awarded directly to communities to improve safety to residents and promote active transportation.

The Grant Program is a joint initiative between the Government of BC, regional health authorities, First Nations Health Authority, and the BCIRPU.

Since 2021, the Grant Program has funded more than 200 projects, totalling more than $3M.

04/20/2026

Can you tell the difference between a pot brownie and a regular brownie? Young children definitely can’t.

A recent study compared cannabis poisoning visits before and after the substance was legalized in Canada.

The number of cannabis-related poisonings among young children were relatively low, but did increase from 4% before legalization to 12% after legalization.

The median age was 3-years-old.

Remember today, and every day, to keep cannabis products high up, locked away, and out of reach of children.

04/16/2026

The majority of visits to BC Children’s Hospital emergency for cannabis poisoning were from teens intentionally consuming cannabis, but taking too much.

A recent study compared cannabis poisoning visits before and after the substance was legalized in Canada for adults 19+.

The median age among youth was 15-years-old.

Poisonings occurred with cannabis alone, or when combined with alcohol, illicit drugs, or medications.

Know the signs of cannabis poisoning. If you suspect poisoning, call the BC Drug and Poison Info Centre at 1-800-567-8911.

Reaction times are sloooowww: don’t drive, cycle, board, or other forms of transport after using cannabis.

Learn more at injuryresearch.bc.ca.

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Address

4480 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC
V6H3V4

Telephone

(604) 875-3776

Website

http://www.injuryresearch.bc.ca/

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