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What is COPN?
COPN is a network of volunteers dedicated to improving the quality of
life of people living with osteoporosis. COPN is a mission driven service that will educate, empower and
support those with osteoporosis in Canada through the use of technology and mutual support.
How does COPN work?
COPN is a virtual network of patients. It will communicate by e-mail and
provide information updates. It will provide online tools and resources to help its e-members make a
difference. It will keep them up to date about local activities and provide opportunities to get involved.
COPN will also help to create links among Canadians with osteoporosis through the Internet and by
e-mail.
COPN has been established by patients; its members will be patients and
it will work for the interests of patients. It will support individual members and groups in becoming
effective advocates and representatives of the concerns of osteoporosis patients in Canada.
How did COPN evolve?
More than a year ago, four osteoporosis patients recognized an urgent
need for patients to have a greater influence in all issues concerning osteoporosis. Encouraged and assisted
by Osteoporosis Canada, Sheila Brien, Priscilla Cole, Ina Ilse and Gail Lemieux created the COPN Steering
Committee and formulated plans and established the mandate for the Network. The four women have all been
patient spokespersons and volunteers with Osteoporosis Canada for many years. As a group, they offer a
variety of knowledge and experience in science, patient counselling, program development, nursing, government
policy, research, and most importantly, living with osteoporosis.
Why should osteoporosis patients join
COPN?
COPN members want to increase the public and political awareness of
osteoporosis. They want better access to effective treatments and therapies; to provide osteoporosis patient
perspectives to decision- makers and researchers and to share their experiences and knowledge with the
public. COPN members will communicate with all levels of government to help inform health policy makers. They
will participate in committees, presentations and consultations to negotiate on behalf of people living with
osteoporosis. They will talk to their friends, family and neighbours to make them aware of osteoporosis. The
four members of the COPN Steering Committee have served as the voice of the osteoporosis patient in meetings
with Ministers of Health. They have written letters. They have spoken to reporters and appeared on TV shows.
They have represented osteoporosis patients on boards, in public consulations, and in a wide variety of
meetings. With the creation of COPN, Osteoporosis Canada hopes to recruit more patient volunteers, from
across the country, to become involved in similar activities and become better informed about the issues
affecting patients.
How can you get involved or get more
information about COPN?
Make your voice heard. To become a member of Osteoporosis Canada's COPN,
contact us by e-mail today. If you do not yet have
regular access to the Internet or e-mail, inquire about access, getting an email account and training at your
local public library. Most offer free Internet access as well as basic training for free or a small
fee.
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