The COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving, and we need to evolve our approach with it.
While we have been looking forward to celebrating our new brand with you, protecting your health comes first — today, and always. Below, you will find a summary of our closures, and find out which services we are continuing to offer.
Meanwhile, there are simple things you can do to reduce your risk of getting or spreading the virus.
We are all in this together.
Sincerely,
The Lung Health Foundation team
Lung Health Line
STATUS: OPEN
We must do our part to keep chronic lung disease patients from experiencing flare-ups that could send them into the crowded hospital system. Our Lung Health Line remains open to all, and is more crucial than ever.
If you need advice about managing your asthma, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, IPF, or any other chronic lung condition, we can help. You can reach us at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864), by email at info@lunghealth.ca, or you can chat live at lunghealth.ca.
In the event of office closures, we have equipped our Certified Respiratory Educators to assist you remotely.
Support groups
STATUS: CLOSED
Bringing people together is one of the things we do best. But for the time being, we will be pausing all in-person support groups, since people affected by lung disease are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19.
Social distancing is very important. Avoid large public gatherings, and maintain a distance of at least one meter (3 feet) from anyone displaying symptoms like coughing or sneezing.
Our Facebook support network
STATUS: OPEN – come join the conversation!
Human connection is important, especially in challenging times like this. To fill the gap left by the temporary closure of our support groups, we have started a new Facebook community.
Click here to visit our private support network group. You will need to be logged in to your Facebook account to request membership.
This group is private, which means that members will need to be approved by the Lung Health Foundation. Discussions within the group will be visible to other members of the group only. All are welcome.
Discussions in this group are not moderated by healthcare professionals, though we will occasionally run digital “events” that feature them. As such, we ask that you do not give out or seek medical advice. For advice, our Lung Health Line is open!
Fitness for Breath
STATUS: VARIES BY LOCATION
Our Fitness for Breath program is run in partnership with fitness centres and pulmonary rehabilitation programs across the province. We have urged all locations to postpone classes, though closures may vary by location.
If you are already a Fitness for Breath participant, you are probably aware of how beneficial gentle exercise can be, especially in times of stress. If your Fitness for Breath class is cancelled and you are feeling well enough to exercise, try our at-home workout:
Breathe! Bash
STATUS: POSTPONED
After carefully considering the evolving situation with COVID-19, and in keeping with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s advice on mass gatherings during the outbreak, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our Breathe! Bash brand launch and research celebration event, previously scheduled for March 25, 2020 in Toronto. We hope to announce a new date soon.
Toronto Headquarters
STATUS: OPEN, with reduced staff
Many of our staff team members will be working remotely in the coming weeks. When at work, we are encouraging frequent and thorough handwashing, and encourage you to do the same.
We are limiting meetings with our valued partners, and switching to virtual meetings where possible. We are replacing handshakes with friendly waves, and ceasing conference and event attendance.
Thank you for your patience as we navigate this situation.