Lung Foundation

The Australian Lung Foundation (ALF)

The Australian Lung Foundation (ALF) is the pre-eminent facilitator supporting medical and scientific research into lung disease, education and patient/carer support services in Australia.

The Foundation is a registered charity endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office, as a deductible gift recipient and tax exempt charitable entity and relies solely on the generosity of the corporate and public sectors to provide its vital services.

Major Initiatives

Consultative Groups

The ALF have established multi-disciplinary consultative groups for specific lung conditions; these groups develop and instigate initiatives to advance research and/or education in individual disease areas. The groups meet regularly throughout the year.

COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

• National Guidelines for COPD Management
• COPD Case Statement COPD Action Plan & Check List
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Toolkit
• COPD Economic Case Statement
• World COPD Day and other awareness programs
• Support Groups throughout Australia
• Publication of patient resources

COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a serious long-term lung disease that is progressive, disabling and often fatal. People with COPD experience breathlessness, making it increasingly difficult to carry out simple daily activities, like showering, dressing or even making a cup of tea.

In Australia, COPD is the fourth biggest killer. It affects up to one in six people over 45. Alarmingly, three out of four people with COPD do not know they have it and are therefore not taking the critical steps to stem the progress of the disease. Access to critical therapies are also inconsistent across the country.

The Australian Lung Foundation manages the COPD National Program. The Program aims to reduce the burden of COPD. This is achieved through work in five strategic areas:

1. Clinical support, education and awareness
2. Community education and awareness
3. Patient support and information
4. Research
5. Government advocacy

Lung Cancer

• Lung Cancer Case Statement
• GP Guidelines for the Assessment and Management of Lung Cancer
• Australian Lung Cancer Conference
• National Patient Support Network
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month - November
• Australasian Lung Cancer Trials Group
• Kylie Johnston Lung Cancer Network

RID - Respiratory Infectious Diseases

• RID Case Statement
• Media rapid response team
• Education materials

PIVOT - Pulmonary Interstitial Vascular Organisational Taskforce

• Disease specific patient Education Leaflets
• Umbrella group for "Orphan" lung disease
• Orphan Lung Disease Support Group

Volunteers

Want to help the ALF but not sure how?

Become a volunteer and assist with programs, support and services to the community Australia-wide. From the simplest of services to fundraising you can play a vital role in helping the ALF achieve its goals. Together we can make a difference. Call toll free on 1800 654 301 for more details.

Support

LungNet

This important ALF project underpins the work of the organisation. Some of the initiatives of LungNet are:

The LungNet Information & Support Centre

The centre exists to provide a link to the following services and can be contacted toll free on 1800 654 301.

Educational Brochures

Disease specific patient information brochures exist on a range of lung conditions and are available upon request.

Newsletter

Published on a quarterly basis, LungNet News provides useful articles on lung health and keeps readers informed on the work of the ALF.

Support Groups

Located in all states and territories. Support Groups meet regularly to provide social activities and support for patients, their families and carers.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs

These programs are provided by health professionals and consist of exercise training and information sessions to assist patients to understand their lung condition and improve their quality of life. Information on a program nearest to you can be accessed by calling 1800 654 301.

Education Days

Held annually in each state. LungNet Education Days provide an opportunity for patients to hear first hand from health professionals about the latest developments in lung health.

Website

The ALF website hosts an abundance of information: Please visit www.lungfoundation.com.au

Other Major Initiatives of the ALF

The Australasian Lung cancer Trials Group (ALTG) is Australia and New Zealand's lung and thoracic cancer clinical research group. The ALTG is a multi-disciplinary organisation dedicated to reducing the incidence, morbidity and mortality of lung and thoracic cancer and improving the quality of life of lung and thoracic cancer patients through the coordination and facilitation of high quality clinical research. For more information please visit: www.altg.com.au

The Kylie Johnston Lung Cancer Network aims to provide comprehensive information, emotional support and advocacy for people living with lung cancer in Australia. At present, there is no single organisation in Australia that provides this form of support specifically for lung cancer patients, their families and carers. In response to this need, The Australian Lung Foundation's National Council made the decision to incubate the Kylie Johnston Lung Cancer Network to fill the gap that has existed in lung cancer support services. For more information please visit: www.kjlcn.org.au

Over 6 million Australians suffer from a chronic respiratory illness. There are many forms of lung disease both common and rare costing the nation millions of dollars each year. Lung disease can have a dramatic impact on the quality of life of patients and their carers, both financially and emotionally.

Government, health professionals and the community all share a common need for more education and understanding, funding and support. The Australian Lung Foundation is striving to bridge this gap.

Content last updated September 2007