April 7 is International World Health Day

On World Health Day, the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA) is celebrating the important work speech-language pathologists, audiologists and supportive personnel contribute to the health of our communities.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) 1000 Cities, 1000 Lives campaign (www.who.int/world-health-day/en/index.html) for World Health Day focuses on urbanization and health. WHO is encouraging cities to open public spaces in order to host health-related events. The campaign's goal is to identify urban health heroes;people who have made a difference in the health of their communities.

Speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and supportive personnel play an important role in the health of our communities. Millions of Canadians have communication disorders affecting their speech, language, hearing, swallowing and balance abilities.

"Speech-language pathologists, audiologists and supportive personnel are vital to the health of our communities across Canada and worldwide," says CASLPA president Linda Walsh. "Every day they work to improve the quality of life of individuals and families with communication disorders."

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and research of communication and related disorders. They work in communities across Canada at hospitals, rehabilitation centres, health clinics, schools and in private practice.

"Without the important work conducted within the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology, access to treatment and prevention of these disorders would not be possible," says Walsh.

If you or someone you know has a communication disability or limitation, CASLPA recommends contacting a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. CASLPA represents the professional needs of more than 5,500 speech-language pathologists, audiologists and supportive personnel.

For more information about the role speech-language pathologists, audiologists and supportive personnel play in the management of communication disorders, or to find a speech-language pathologist or audiologist in your area, please visit www.speechandhearing.ca.