Meet Dr. Josh Lawson, a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. He is a recipient of the Solutions grant and Align grant, collaborative initiatives between Lung Saskatchewan and SHRF. The Align grant supports Dr. Lawson’s research on childhood asthma and mental health, bringing together a diverse team to explore the link between childhood asthma and mental health, considering the impact of geographic location on this association. Asthma and mental health conditions are prevalent in childhood, affecting healthcare utilization, costs, daily activities, and overall quality of life.

Additionally, Dr. Lawson, in collaboration with Dr. Donna Goodridge, has received a Solutions grant to investigate a virtual behaviour change intervention for women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in rural Saskatchewan. Focused on weight management, physical activity, stress, sleep hygiene, and muscle function therapy, this project aims to enhance the quality of life for those living with OSA.
 

The funding opportunities I’ve received from SHRF and Lung Saskatchewan have been remarkable. Beyond financial support, Lung Saskatchewan’s encouragement, participation in teams and educational events have been very helpful.

Recent funding, like the Align grant received in May 2023, has been instrumental, focusing on childhood asthma and comorbidity with mental health conditions. This has facilitated team building, background research, and collaboration with experts. The Align grant has propelled our research in three areas: a scoping review of childhood asthma and mental health conditions, a scan of clinical and research activities in the province, and the formation of a diverse team comprising patients, researchers, and clinicians.

Research makes a difference in asthma. Research has identified at-risk groups, triggered interventions, and shaped medications and management strategies. While prevention is challenging due to asthma’s multifactorial nature, research has played a crucial role in understanding and addressing the disease.

The OSA project is a distinct project funded by the Solutions grant, focusing on rural women. The project incorporates virtual behaviour change activities related to health behaviours and exercise, and we are currently in the data collection phase. Collaborating with researchers like Dr. Donna Goodridge enhances the interdisciplinary approach. The collaborative nature of research in our province allows for meaningful partnerships with various experts, creating a rich and diverse research environment.