Lung Association of Saskatchewan launches Campaign for Lung Health
The Lung Association of Saskatchewan today launched its election action centre designed to raise awareness of the significant lung health issues facing Saskatchewan residents. At the same time, the Association also sent a questionnaire to the 3 main political party leaders regarding their stance on various lung health issues.
Elections are a time to discuss how we move forward on significant public policy areas such as health and health care, said Dr. Brian Graham, President and CEO of The Lung Association of Saskatchewan, Throughout the duration of this campaign we are asking the parties “ and the next Premier of our province “ to tell Saskatchewan residents what action they are prepared to take to help the one in five residents of this province who suffer from lung disease.
The Lung Association of Saskatchewan has identified four key public policy priorities for the 2007 Provincial Election relating to respiratory health and is requesting that the main political parties provide their respective positions on these areas so that they can be conveyed to citizens, health professionals and stakeholders across the province:
1) Coordinated provincial action to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung disease;
2) Stronger legislation and programs to reduce public and on-the-job smoking exposure, restrict tobacco access and support smoking cessation;
3) Better access to specialized medical care and education services for children suffering from asthma and other lung diseases; and,
4) Legislative and regulatory action on indoor and outdoor air quality to reduce the burden on lung health.
To assist in determining the stand of the parties on these issues, a comprehensive questionnaire has been developed and sent to NDP Leader Lorne Calvert, Liberal Leader David Karwacki and Saskatchewan Party Leader Brad Wall. The leaders are being asked to provide their answers to The Lung Association no later than October 26, 2007.
Lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer and sleep apnea are taking a significant social and economic toll on our province, said Dr. Graham, We hope that this campaign will succeed in making lung health a top priority for the next government of Saskatchewan, and we look forward to the responses of the Party leaders.
