Provincial Minister of Health (Copy and paste to your own word processing program then personalize - the background WILL NOT transfer with it)

 

 

                                                                                                         

(Date Here)

 

Honourable  (Min of Health’s Name Here)

Address

 

Dear  (Name Here)

 

        Health Canada’s 2001 report “Respiratory Diseases In Canada” stated that  in 1998 9,041 Canadians died of COPD….5,398 males; 3,643 females.  This year alone, 4,300 women will die from this disease of which there is no cure.

 

        Currently COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in our country, by 2020 it’s anticipated to be the 3rd.  It's estimated $1.67 billion dollars (in 1998) was spent in health care for those with this disease. 

 

        Did you know  that, according to the Canadian Lung Association, since 2000, “female deaths due to COPD has risen at double the rate of breast cancer?”  (9% vs 4%)The numbers keep rising.

 

        These are astronomical numbers  to be sure yet COPD isn’t even listed on Health Canada’s website until one gets to the “Public Health Agency” under Respiratory Diseases!

 

        We don’t even have a national strategy.

 

        Currently there’s 750,000 Canadians diagnosed with COPD and it’s believed that there’s at least 50% more  undiagnosed.  I am one of those 750,000 sufferers who is still able to do something as simple as write to you.  Many of us can’t.  Why?

 

        COPD is a “slow to develop” respiratory disease (at least 80% of the cases are directly related to smoking) that inflames and obstructs the airways, restricting activity, limits breathing and causes frequent Dr’s visits, hospitalizations and death.  Without adequate  oxygen you can’t even pick up a pen to write. There is no cure.  Even those who once smoked but quit a number of years ago may still develop this disease. 

 

        However; there are NEWER MEDICINES  available that can reduce the number of flare-ups, restore a quality of life while helping to control the symptoms. This has been PROVEN. This equates to reduced expenditures overall.  Sadly  our provincial medical program does not cover all these newer generation drugs for those of us who need it most. REHABILITATION is of PROVEN benefit though less than 2% of COPDer’s have access.  OXYGEN therapy has been PROVEN to extend our lives yet you now have to be on death’s door before it’s prescribed. In light of our numbers and statistics; why is that? 

 

         I implore, beg, plead with you to LOOK a little deeper into this disease and the impact it’s having on ALL Canadians and those in our province.  See for yourself the deplorable state of affairs in our country.  You can get a quick overview of it’s being addressed; the impact on our citizens;   and our province  at  the Canadian Lung Association’s website www.lung.ca/_resources/2005.copd_reportcard.pdf   or   COPD Canada’s site     http://www.copdcanada.ca/nationally.htm     The statistics are right there for the various provinces and our nation as a whole.

 

        After you have reviewed the information, it is my/our hope that you will then reconsider how the funds are used/allocated from the Federal Government in our province for Health Care.    There are so  many things that can be done  to reduce the mortality rates, reduce the overall financial costs and  improve the lives of those currently suffering with such a cruel disease. 

 

        COPD is increasing and that trend will continue as the baby boomers age. Especially in the next 10 years.  How we deal with it now,   and how we plan to deal with it down the road;  is up to you.  Our lives are literally in your hands.

 

 

Respectfully Yours,

 

(Signature)

 

Your Name,

Address

Phone #

 

 

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