We were delighted to welcome a keenly interested group from the La Fondation des maladies mentales, lead by its President, Mr. Jean-Luc Taschereau, for a comprehensive presentation and tour of the Quebec Brain Bank (formerly known as the Douglas Research Centre Brain Bank). It was the first opportunity for this charity, with which the Douglas shares so much in common, to visit the brain bank and to learn how it contributes to our understanding of mental illness.

In an all-inclusive presentation given by Mr. Naguib Mechawar, Ph.D., Director, of the Quebec Brain Bank and Researcher in the Mood, Anxiety and Impulsivity-Related Theme at the Douglas Research Centre, our guests learned the compelling reasons for donating healthy brains to the bank. The audience was stunned to learn that the Douglas provides brain tissue for scientists across North America and overseas. The tour ended on a high note as the guests, under strict controls, were able to hold a brain hemisphere in their hands. They found it a very moving experience.

This tour was an activity purchased by Mr. Jean-Luc Taschereau
at the silent auction during the Douglas Institute Foundation’s annual benefit “Ouverts d’esprit” held in March.