New Brunswick Lung Association Inc. – Association Pulmonaire du Nouveau Brunswick Inc.

The New Brunswick Lung Association Inc. – Association Pulmonaire du Nouveau Brunswick Inc., operating as NB Lung, is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing lung health and combating lung disease in the province of New Brunswick. Established in 1933 during the tuberculosis pandemic, the organization has evolved over the decades to address a broad range of respiratory health issues, including smoking and vaping, communicable and hereditary lung diseases such as cancer, as well as environmental concerns affecting lung health like air quality and climate change.

History and Evolution

Founded amid the serious public health challenge of tuberculosis, the New Brunswick Lung Association initially focused on tuberculosis prevention and care. As the incidence of tuberculosis declined and lung health challenges diversified, the association broadened its mission to reflect contemporary health priorities. Today, NB Lung is an independent entity focused solely on lung health priorities pertinent to New Brunswick residents.

Mission and Activities

NB Lung aims to improve lung health and prevent lung disease across all ages in New Brunswick. Its initiatives include:

• Public education campaigns against smoking and vaping
• Advocacy for improved indoor and outdoor air quality
• Support for individuals affected by lung diseases, including cancer and hereditary conditions
• Programs to raise awareness and mitigate risks from environmental factors such as radon exposure and pollution
• Responding to emergent health threats like COVID-19 by distributing tests and resources

For example, during 2023-2024, NB Lung distributed 13,500 COVID-19 rapid tests province-wide, facilitated over 75,000 public transit rides as part of their National Clean Air Day campaign, and provided over 1,000 homes with free long-term radon testing kits to improve indoor air safety.

Organizational Status

NB Lung is a registered charity in Canada (Business Registration Number: 107769044RR0001), complying with Canada Revenue Agency regulations for charitable organizations. It relies on community support and partnerships to sustain and expand its lung health programs throughout New Brunswick.

Impact

The association’s work has significantly contributed to raising public awareness on lung health issues and influencing healthier environmental policies in New Brunswick. By addressing traditional and emerging lung health challenges, NB Lung continues to play a crucial role in the province’s public health landscape.

Note: This article is based on information publicly available from NB Lung and related sources.