Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Earlier this year we launched the first phase of a new OPFFA Cardiac Screening program with the Dr. Arif Naqvi and the DUA Clinic. Our initial goal was to attract 200 fire fighters to attend the clinic so an assessment can be made of the need for this type of screening and based on the initial ‘findings’ if the screening process was adequate.

I spoke with Dr. Naqvi today and he was very pleased to inform me that his clinic has been overwhelmed by our response and that we have now exceeded 350 members in just over one month. Due to this volume Dr. Naqvi has now had to add Saturday’s to his appointment schedule. He has requested that we now close out the first phase of the screening program to allow Dr. Naqvi and his colleagues to assess the initial findings.

Dr. Naqvi wanted to assure any member who still has an appointment outstanding will have their appointment honoured.

I will be meeting with Dr. Naqvi during the month of March to review our status and we are arranging for Dr. Naqvi and his colleagues to attend our Convention in Collingwood this June to provide the delegates an update on the program and to announce phase 2 which he expects will be multiple sites around the province. His target launch for those sites is July 1, 2010.

I want to thank every member who has attended and I want to assure all members that it is our intent to support the implementation of phase 2 where this screening program can be offered in a more suitable geographical manner.

Should anyone have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me or the DUA clinic directly at 1-877-755-7548 or Email: cvdscreening@duacardiac.com

Fraternally,

Fred LeBlanc,
President