As an individual living with asthma, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or interstitial lung disease (ILD) you can get support from our community lung health programs.
Five community lung health programs offer services at more than 25 locations in the counties of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Renfrew, Prescott-Russell, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, as well as in Cornwall and Ottawa. Click here to find a location close to you.
At the program, you will be supported by a team of Certified Respiratory Educators. The lung health programs provide a range of services such as assessment, education, diagnosis (at most locations), and the development of action plans; guidance on when to seek help; inhalers and puffers; smoking cessation; nutrition and physical activity; reducing anxiety and stress; advance care planning; as well as follow-up care. Some locations also offer an exercise program for COPD called pulmonary rehabilitation.
To access a community lung health program, your healthcare provider can complete the fax referral form or Ocean eReferral form. The central intake staff will connect you with the services you need.
Interesting facts:
- There is no fee for these services.
- Certified Respiratory Educators are Nurse Practitioners and/or Registered Respiratory Therapists that have additional training. Educators are skilled at helping you understand more about COPD and how to manage your condition.
- The more you understand asthma, bronchiectasis, COPD or ILD, the easier it will be for you to talk to your healthcare providers about how you are doing.
- Family members or support persons are welcome to attend education sessions
- Visit the lung health toolkit online for more information and resources.
- Referrals are normally made by your healthcare provider through a fax referral form or Ocean eReferral. Some programs require a confirmed diagnosis be included with referral. If you do not have a healthcare provider or have questions, please call us at 613-238-3722 (Toll-free: 1-833-338-3722).