The Housing Industry Association Charitable Foundation (HIACF) aims to have a positive impact on the lives of people in the housing and building industry. Its intent and goals align well with those of the Tradie Health Institute.
When the HIACF heard about the work the world-class researchers at the Tradie Health Institute are carrying out to tackle occupational lung diseases – including the life-limiting condition silicosis – it was moved to make a significant contribution of $50,000 to the research initiative.
National President of the HIA, Debbie Johnson, described the contribution as well deserved.
“That’s what our association is all about. The wellbeing of business, the wellbeing of safety, the wellbeing of technical expertise and the health of industry members,” said Debbie Johnson, HIA President.
“We’re constantly working with our members and industry more broadly to generate funds that we can put forward into really good causes like this.”
Debbie Johnson was one of several people who toured the humble lab at The Prince Charles Hospital in June to see firsthand the critical research underway.
Within this facility, our internationally renowned researchers are performing groundbreaking work to change the prognosis and give hope to many Australian tradespeople diagnosed with progressive and deadly occupational lung diseases like silicosis.
“This (silicosis) is a disease that does affect our young men and women in the industry. Age is no barrier in this instance. There’s something very tragic about losing a young person,” Ms Johnson said.
Professor Daniel Chambers says one of the challenges is that, at present, silicosis is a challenge to diagnose.
“As a result, the size of this problem is likely much more extensive than we realise. Some of the patients impacted by silicosis and who are part of our research trials are not who you would expect,” said Professor Chambers.
This year there has been a lot of public discussion about preventative measures to reduce the number of people affected by the disease. Whilst prevention is critically important, the Tradie Health Institute is focusing its efforts on making a difference for those who are currently impacted by it now, and in the future.
The Tradie Health Institute is dedicated to detecting the disease early and trying to uncover new and effective ways to treat and manage occupational lung diseases.
“I think what the team is doing here is simply amazing, and I understand that the results they’ve got so far are really encouraging,” Ms Johnson said.
“Being able to continue the work that they’re doing is vital so that one day there might be a cure.”
If you want to learn more about the Tradie Health Institute and the research underway, click here.
