In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Buckley, President and CEO of the Lung Health Foundation (LHF) and Dr. Dawn Bowdish, scientist and the Executive Director of the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health and member of the Board of Directors of the LHF. We talk about how despite asthma being common, diagnosis can be complicated and there are many that are living with uncontrolled asthma. Jessica and Dawn also share recent survey results of asthma patients’ experience, and how we can set health goals with an asthma action plan and advocate for better air quality.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:32: Dawn shares her journey to becoming a leading researcher in respiratory health and her role at the Firestone Institute

01:58: Jessica talks about the mission and impact of the Lung Health Foundation in advocating for lung health across Canada

02:33: Jessica shares her personal motivation driven by family experiences with lung diseases, emphasizing the widespread need for lung health awareness

03:06: Dawn discusses how personal encounters at a gala event deeply influenced her dedication to lung health advocacy

05:34: Dawn explains the medical basics of asthma, its triggers, and the importance of proper diagnosis and management

08:09: Jessica addresses common issues faced by individuals living with asthma, particularly the lack of proper asthma action plans

10:36: Dawn discusses how external factors like air quality and climate change are increasingly important for asthma management

14:20: Jessica explains how the Lung Health Foundation educates the public and advocates for policies to improve lung health

17:21: Jessica discusses a new campaign aimed at enhancing public appreciation for lung health and proactive care

19:14: Dawn and Jessica offer insights into the advancements in asthma treatment and the importance of an effective asthma action plan

21:42: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yvan Baker, member of the House of Commons of Canada, joins us to talk about Canadians’ health care issues and needs. Mr. Baker discusses the benefits of Canada’s universal health care system for essential services and needs, but highlights gaps in the system like doctor shortages, delays in services, and how until recently dental care was not part of the system. He shares how he’s helped advocate for the expansion of dental care, for the government to consider patient outcomes, and his work with the older adult community.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:45: Mr. Baker shares his background, including his work as a consultant and his transition into politics, explaining how his experience in business and education led him to focus on health care in public service

01:56: Mr. Baker details why health care is a critical focus for his political career, citing personal philosophy and the universal health care system in Canada as major influences on his legislative efforts

03:29: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, and Mr. Baker discuss the unique ability of government to effect change in health care, emphasizing the necessity for patient advocacy and government responsiveness to improve health services

04:53: Mr. Baker explains ongoing efforts to close gaps in the Canadian health care system, highlighting recent initiatives to improve access to essential health services

06:08: Mr. Baker talks about government strategies to reduce wait times and improve service delivery, including funding approaches that tie financial support to specific health care outcomes

07:14: Mr. Baker and Steven discuss the expansion of Canada’s health care system to include dental care, detailing the structure and goals of the new dental care program aimed at increasing accessibility

08:28: Mr. Baker highlights his work on broader health care initiatives, including efforts to strengthen support for senior citizens and improve the overall health care infrastructure

10:45: Mr. Baker emphasizes the importance of health care advocacy, sharing insights on the impact of effective government action and the need for continued public engagement in shaping health care policies

12:34: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by Amanda Krzepicki, Policy Director at the Autoimmune Association. We talk about the long process of getting legislation passed, top issues the Autoimmune Association is advocating for, and how patient groups can come together to make a difference.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:59: Amanda discusses her early career experiences and how they led her to patient advocacy, particularly focusing on autoimmune diseases

02:21: Amanda describes the work and impact of the Autoimmune Association, emphasizing its global outreach and patient support initiatives

03:08: Amanda explains the complex process of turning a bill into law and how patients can influence this process to result in more patient-friendly outcomes

05:33: Amanda gives a detailed account of recent successful advocacy efforts related to Medicaid drug rebates, highlighting the collaborative nature of these efforts

07:14: Amanda and Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, discuss the unintended consequences of rapid policy changes and the importance of thorough consideration and dialogue

08:47: Amanda and Steven stress the significance of forming coalitions among patient groups to strengthen their advocacy efforts

10:04: Amanda reveals how checking social media profiles of staff members helped reduce her nervousness before meetings with stakeholders

11:01: Steven and Amanda discuss how personal connections can aid in advocacy efforts, making legislative staff more relatable and approachable

11:22: Amanda outlines the current top issues she is working on, including the Safe Step Act and other legislative measures aimed at improving health care accessibility

14:28: Steven and Amanda emphasize the critical role of unity among patient advocacy groups in driving policy changes and achieving collective goals

15:57: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.