Establishment of The Ontario Lung Health Consultation Group to Help Ontarians Breathe

TORONTO, Nov. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - The Lung Association ? Ontario and the government of Ontario are pleased to announce the establishment of The Ontario Lung Health Consultation Group.

The first of its kind in Canada, this group will be dedicated to providing provincially-based advice and recommendations on lung health to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care to make improvements in lung health awareness, diagnosis, treatment and care. Its goal will be to work towards the development and implementation of an Ontario Lung Health Action Plan that will provide a coordinated approach to prevent lung disease, improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare spending.

Of the four chronic diseases responsible for four in five deaths in Ontario ? cancer, cardio vascular disease, lung disease and diabetes ? lung disease is the only one without a dedicated province-wide strategy, this despite its ever increasing human and economic burden.

More than 2.8 million people in Ontario live with a chronic lung disease and millions more who love and care for them. All of them rightfully deserve a plan that will ensure less people suffer the loss of a loved one to lung disease.

With today's announcement, Ontarians can begin to breathe a bit easier.

QUOTES

"I am very happy to announce the establishment of The Ontario Lung Health Consultation Group. This Group will be the first of its kind in Canada, and will advise on the development and implementation of an Ontario Lung Health Action Plan. Lung disease affects millions of Ontarians, and it is critical that we have a coordinated approach to lung disease research, prevention and treatment." - Dr. Eric Hoskins Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

"This is truly a monumental achievement for all Ontarians and something The Lung Association has been working on for years. I would like to thank the government of Ontario for making this possible. It's important to note that lung health is an issue that goes beyond politics and this has been clearly demonstrated through our work with all three parties on this issue, building towards making today's announcement a reality." - George Habib, President and CEO, The Lung Association ? Ontario.

About The Lung Association ? Ontario                                                       

Breathing. It's what unites us. It's what inspires us. And it's what keeps us pushing ahead, whether it's searching for cures to lung diseases, helping people to quit smoking and ensuring that children never start, or fighting for clean air.

The Lung Association is the leading organization working to promote lung health and prevent and manage lung disease.  We do this by funding vital research, pushing for improved treatments and better policies, and helping people manage their health.

SOURCE The Lung Association - Ontario