Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health officially opened
Photo credit: Martin Dee
Canada’s largest integrated brain centre officially opened today, uniting research and patient care to change the way brain disorders are treated and studied.
The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH), a partnership between the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health, brings together research and clinical expertise in neuroscience, psychiatry and neurology under one roof.
The building is named after Vancouver philanthropist Djavad Mowafaghian in honour of his $15-million donation to UBC. Construction of the $70-million building is supported by the B.C. government ($25M), Industry Canada ($10M), Canada Foundation for Innovation and matching funds from the BC Knowledge Development Fund ($6.48M), as well as by $13.5M in donations from Charles Fipke, the Townsend family, the Borgland family, and Rudy North.
“VCH understands that when researchers and clinicians have the opportunity to work alongside each other, patient problems become tangible and urgent – and this is where solutions come from. As a result, the innovation that will take place at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health will lead to better patient outcomes and promote better care for every British Columbian affected by brain disease,” said Dr. David Ostrow, president & CEO of Vancouver Coastal Health.
Meeting a provincial need
Affecting one in three Canadians from early childhood to old age, brain dysfunction costs more than $30 billion annually and is expected to overtake heart disease and cancer as the leading cause of death and disability in Canada by 2020. It’s estimated the Centre will receive at least 25,000 visits per year.
Improving patient care
British Columbians living with debilitating brain diseases and disorders will be better served by bringing the disciplines together and integrating patient care with research, new opportunities will be created to collaborate and share in research and discovery.
“The Centre’s unique ‘whole brain’ approach encompasses both the new, customized facility and a new philosophy,” said Mary Nieforth, director, Cardiac Sciences and Special Projects.
World-class research
The Centre is home to clinics for Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression and other brain disorders. Innovative programs that integrate research and patient care, led by Canada’s top researchers – including Canada Research Chairs, BC Leading Edge Endowment Fund Leadership Chairs and a Canada Excellence Research Chair – will offer British Columbians improved access to treatments and clinical trials.
“The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health will build on British Columbia’s strength as a leader in health research and innovation. The Centre will be united by a shared commitment to promoting healthy brain function and investigating effective treatments for brain disorders and diseases,” said Dr. Robert McMaster, executive director, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute.
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