National Lung Health Framework

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

I’ve been invited to Ottawa next month as a member of the Interim Steering Comm for the National Lung Health Framework.

I’ve not been a big promoter of this or mentioned it much (if at all) primarily because of my feelings about the Lung Assoc in general and I’m not big on lip service. However; this (National Lung Health Framework) is NOT the sole “doings” of the Cdn LA (though they’re spear heading it); much of the funding is coming from the Governemnt; and who knows maybe this will actually come to fruition.

What is the National Lung Health Framework? (from the website)
The National Lung Health Framework is a ‘Made in Canada’ action plan developed by and for a wide range of stakeholders working to improve lung health. Its coordinated approach to the prevention and management of respiratory diseases will have a significant positive impact on the state of lung health in Canada.
The Lung Association, in collaboration with the Lung Health Framework Interim Steering Committee and the Public Health Agency of Canada, has been asked to lead the two year process that will bring together the talent and expertise of many key stakeholders. It is this joint collaboration that will ensure the success of the plan, resulting in the improved lung health of Canadians and a reduction in the economic burden that taxpayers shoulder every year.

The Framework development process is inclusive and seeks to maximize opportunities for public participation. To that end, the goal is to deliver a plan for all Canadians that provides templates for sharing best practices and recommendations for optimizing research, policy and funding decisions."

Various Government bodies, Dr’s, pharma, first nations reps, researchers etc etc are/have come together to write this “framework” I can’t break it all down here but if you go to www.lung.ca/about-propos/framework-cadre_e.php you’ll see/learn more about the “what” and “what’s been done” to date.

Several of us are very active in Canada (being a thorn I guess that some would say) and now even a few of the members here here are becoming that way in the US; they/we work hard at “getting the word out about COPD. Regardless of where you live you CAN do something.

In the short and long of things I’m “guardedly optimistic” at best. So; if they’re willing to give it a go, then I’m obligated to follow through. MY FINGERS ARE CROSSED for ALL OF US!

We’ll see what happens and I WILL keep you abreast either here or on the COPD Canada website ( www.coprcanada.ca )

Jackie

[cheryl]

Wow Jackie, that sounds quite promising. If they can all get their acts together, it might just work.

[cocojax]

Good for you Jackie, you will be a great person to represent people with lung disease...They chose the right person..

[morningstar]

Jackie,

Proud of you boss lady. JMO but my first take was this is there way of shuting you up. But knowing you I have no doubt you will turn it around to help COPD . You Go Girl.

[LindaNY]

Yes Jackie, you are a good person to represent the people of Canada who have lung disease...

Do keep us updated.

[John]

Were with you Jackie !!!

[larrynz]

That sounds very good Jackie, the old saying 'The squeaky wheel gets the grease'
In NZ we are without a voice, yes the government says its concerned about hospital costs, it has anti smoking campaigns, but we have no association, a few asthma associations and we are sort of tacked on.
One of those Asthma groups did start a COPD newsletter, it got to issue 2 and has not been seen since.
Always difficult with a small country (4 million), but they estimate we have 200,000 with COPD, you would think that would count.

[LindaNY]

Oh dear Larry. That is horrible. You would think pulmonologists would encourage the formation of an association. How sad.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

That IS bad Larry; I'm not sure if NZ is worse than Canada or the other way around. Makes me wanna grab folks by the short hairs .

Rose; you might be right. I've thought of that. But; I can't criticize till I know and first hand is the only way.