Saskatchewan Blue Cross Partners with Lung Saskatchewan to Develop Digital Resources for Long Covid

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – July 5, 2023 – Saskatchewan Blue Cross is proud to support Lung Saskatchewan in their dedicated efforts to develop comprehensive resources for individuals experiencing long COVID. Through this partnership, Saskatchewan Blue Cross aims to support Lung Saskatchewan in providing practical tips, tools, and resources to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those living with long COVID.

“We are proud to support Lung Saskatchewan in their efforts to develop comprehensive resources for individuals experiencing long COVID. Through our partnership, Saskatchewan Blue Cross aims to support Lung Saskatchewan in providing practical tips, tools, and resources to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those living with long COVID,” said Kelly Wilson, President & CEO at Saskatchewan Blue Cross.

People in Saskatchewan suffering from long COVID require support, and Lung Saskatchewan, has recently launched a dedicated website. The website serves as a reliable source of up-to-date, evidence-based, and scientific information about long COVID. It includes details on currently available treatments, prevention strategies, self-management of common symptoms, and much more. This crucial resource offers practical tips, tools, and resources to assist individuals living with long COVID.

“We have heard over and over from people suffering from long COVID that they need more support and more resources. Lung Saskatchewan consulted with Lung Saskatchewan COVID-19 Support group and the Patient Advisory Council from the Respiratory Research Centre at the University of Saskatchewan to provide resources that are scientific, peer-reviewed information. In addition, we continue to offer support through our helpline, support groups, and educational programs,” said Erin Kuan, President & CEO of Lung Saskatchewan.

Long COVID, also known as post-COVID condition (PCC), refers to the long-term effects experienced by some individuals after recovering from a COVID-19 infection. These effects can vary significantly from the symptoms experienced during the initial infection and can persist for weeks, months, or even years. Recognizing the diverse population in Saskatchewan, the website also offers self-management resources in English, Arabic, Dari, and Ukrainian to support new Canadians living with long COVID.

“This website is patient-friendly, easy to navigate, and comprehensive. People living with PCC have provided important feedback to the Lung Sask team to make this website a premiere go-to resource for addressing key needs. The explanations about PCC, self-management, and available supports have been brought together in an evidence-based, one-stop shop that will continue to evolve as new information becomes available,” says Donna Goodridge, RN, Ph.D., Professor in the Division of Respirology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, and Executive Director of the Respiratory Research Centre.

“Particularly novel is the inclusion of information to support new Canadians who speak Ukrainian, Arabic, and Dari in their own languages, who may not have the same access as other Canadians.”

About Lung Saskatchewan:

At Lung Saskatchewan, our mission is to improve lung health one breath at a time. Our commitment to enhancing lung health in Saskatchewan dates back to 1911 during the tuberculosis epidemic that swept across the province and Canada. Today, we continue to fight for the 1 in 5 people in Canada affected by lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and now COVID-19.

About Saskatchewan Blue Cross 

For more than 75 years, Saskatchewan Blue Cross® has been committed to delivering exceptional health and wellness benefits, travel insurance and life insurance solutions to Saskatchewan residents and employers. A locally based, not-for-profit organization, it’s recognized as one of Saskatchewan’s Top Employers, one of the Top 100 Companies in Saskatchewan, one of Canada’s Top 100 Brands (as part of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross® Plans), and proudly supports the wellbeing of more than 200,000 members. With a mission to empower communities on their journey to whole health and wellness, and a vision for a future of lifelong health and wellbeing for every person in Saskatchewan, this team is committed to advancing and benefiting the communities they call home. Learn more at: www.sk.bluecross.ca.

Media Contact

Cheryl de Villiers
Director, Marketing & External Affairs
media@sk.bluecross.ca