HALIFAX, Nova Scotia - Today, Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq announced that the Government of Canada is investing in 13 projects to help improve the lung health of at-risk Canadians, as well as educate school children about asthma awareness. The $1.8 million investment is part of the $10 million Lung Health Program announced in April, 2009.
“This investment clearly demonstrates the federal government's commitment to improving Canada's lung health by addressing important respiratory health issues.” said Minister Aglukkaq. “The Government of Canada is pleased to work with these key organizations who are undertaking this important work across Canada.”
The aim of Lung Health Program is to prevent and moderate the impact of lung diseases on Canadians by: reducing the impact and potential risks from the indoor and outdoor air; improving health outcomes and quality of life through education; and placing an emphasis on high-risk populations by supporting them with programs and information.
Since 2006, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has funded a stakeholder-led initiative to develop the National Lung Health Framework, a strategic plan to improve the lung health of Canadians. In 2009, the Government of Canada responded to the Framework by committing $10 million over three years for initiatives to improve awareness of prevention, early detection, and management of lung diseases. These 13 new projects address important priorities that have been identified in the National Lung Health Framework.
For more information on respiratory diseases risk factors, management and control, Canada's Lung Health Program and the National Lung Health Framework, please visit www.lunghealthframework.ca 
. A list and description of the projects is attached.
Media Inquiries:
For more information, please contact:
Josée Bellemare
Office of Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
613-957-0200
Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
(613) 941-8189
