2024-2025
Impact Report: CLEAN AIR EVERYWHERE
This year has been full of special moments that show just how much we can do—together. I’m so proud of the work we’ve done to help people breathe easier in New Brunswick. We helped families sleep better by giving out over 50 CPAP machines to those who couldn’t afford them. We stood beside community groups to spread the word about radon—a silent danger in many homes—and even helped make radon testing free for everyone in our province. We joined parents and students to cheer on the future of clean electric school buses, and we brought Portable Oxygen units to transplant patients so they could travel more comfortably. We also connected many people to each other. At our Respiratory Health Symposium, over 400 health-care workers and students came together to learn and share stories about lung health. And on Clean Air Day, we invited families from all across New Brunswick to take part in fun activities that showed how even small choices—like walking to the bus or opening a window—can help the air we breathe.
All these efforts are more than projects. They are stories of hope, and kindness, and real change. And while we’ve come so far, we know there is still more to do. Lung disease is still a challenge, radon still hides in homes, and many people still need our help and care. That’s why your support matters. When you give, volunteer, share our message, you help change lives. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for walking this path with us—for every community reached, every family helped, and every breath brighter because of you.
Warmly,
Melanie Langille, M.Env.Sc.
President & CEO, NB Lung
Our Vision
Clean Air Everywhere.
Our Mission
Improving respiratory health in communities across New Brunswick.
Our Guiding Principals
Patient Support; Public Education; Research; Advocacy
Breathing Easier: Lung Transplant Support
Imagine facing a life-changing operation—and feeling alone. That’s why we walked alongside 42 lung transplant patients this year.
We helped with medical forms, travel, and securing accommodations outside of New Brunswick, offering emotional support at every step of the way. Eight people received their transplants, and four others are still waiting in Toronto. Our team also supported grieving families when outcomes were difficult.
One story that inspires us is Melissa’s: a lung transplant recipient now 20 months post-surgery. Melissa still faces bumps and hurdles, but she gives back—providing peer support to other patients on their lung transplant journey.
Her words remind us why we do this: “Because of the support of NB Lung, I am able to see my children graduate. It’s not easy, but each day we wake up grateful for the here and now.” This work is deeply personal, and we are honoured to be part of each patient’s journey.
Making Radon a Household Conversation
Radon can sit quietly in basements—but it can be dangerous. We brought radon screening kits to libraries and local communities, like Perth‑Andover and Bilijk First Nation. We worked with the Government of New Brunswick to roll out the country’s first provincially funded public radon testing program, a huge step forward for public health. At community testing drive events, we showed how easy it is to test and how important it is to fix high levels. We also worked with partners to advocate for a provincial mitigation fund. These conversations are saving lives—and they’re just getting started.
A Cleaner Ride to School: Electrifying New Brunswick’s School Bus Fleet
This year we helped launch a study on electric school buses, showing how they keep children healthier and reduce air pollution. The report highlighted the benefits of switching to electric, including cleaner air and quieter streets. We spoke with schools and families, and shared ideas on how to make program change happen.
The message rang loud and clear: every student deserves a clean ride to school. We’re now working with partners to help make this vision a reality, especially as the provincial government committed to a fully electric school bus fleet by 2035. Our advocacy continues to push for healthier transportation options across the province.
Cannabis Harm Reduction: Changing Conversations for Better Health
This year, NB Lung launched a groundbreaking Cannabis Harm Reduction initiative to help healthcare professionals and students talk openly, respectfully, and without stigma about cannabis use. Reducing stigma is essential: when patients feel safe discussing their cannabis habits, healthcare providers can better assess risks, offer guidance, and support safer choices.
As part of this work, NB Lung has completed a suite of bilingual resources — including a screening-guideline video and pocket reference cards — now available on our website. These tools demonstrate how to approach conversations with varied populations such as teens, pregnant individuals, older adults, and others.
Our goal is simple: reduce harm for those who use cannabis by promoting safer methods and informed decision-making. This initiative is helping shift the narrative, strengthen patient–provider communication, and protect lung health for years to come.
Driving Clean: EVs, E-Bikes & More
We hit the road! At 20 events, we talked with over 2,200 people, showed off e‑bikes and EVs, and shared tips about grants. Nearly 24,000 people saw our posts online—and interest in clean vehicles is on the rise. We also ran our annual “Drive Electric Atlantic” survey, helping gather ideas that will shape future projects.
Families told us they want cleaner options, access to grants, and better access to charging stations and information about EVs. Our team is working to make those wishes a reality. This campaign is helping shift the conversation toward a healthier, greener future.
Helping New Brunswickers Sleep Easier and Live Healthier Lives
Before I got the CPAP, I woke up tired every morning.” That’s what one of our recipients told us. This year, we collected 50 used CPAP machines, cleaned and refurbished them, and outfitted them with new filters and hoses before matching them with individuals who needed them most.
For many, the benefits go far beyond simply feeling more rested. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes complications, memory problems, and increased risk of accidents due to fatigue. Several recipients shared that before receiving a machine, they struggled with low energy, difficulty concentrating, and worsening overall health. Many of these recipients had been struggling for years without access to proper treatment.
Our Sleep Apnea Support program continues to grow thanks to generous donations and community support, giving more people not only a better night’s sleep but also a healthier future.
Clean Air Day: Sun-filled Success
This year on Clean Air Day (the first Wednesday in June), from library story walks to free bus rides in New Brunswick’s three largest cities, we helped families breathe easier while having fun, not just in New Brunswick, but across the entire country! Over 93,000 free bus trips were taken, showing strong public support for clean transportation. Kids planted trees, families explored their communities, and everyone learned how small actions—like walking or opening a window—make big change in air quality.
We provided municipalities and libraries with Clean Air Day Planning Guides to help them prepare and make the day inclusive and educational. The energy was contagious, and the message was clear: clean air is a shared responsibility. We’re already planning next year’s celebration.
Learning Together: 31st Annual Respiratory Health Symposium
This year’s Respiratory Health Symposium expanded into two virtual events designed to reach New Brunswickers from every corner of the respiratory-health community. The first event — free and open to healthcare students, patients, caregivers, and the general public — offered accessible sessions on lung cancer, radon, RSV, vaping, and other emerging issues. The second event was tailored for healthcare professionals and provided accredited continuing-education opportunities that supported their ongoing professional development.
Across both events, more than 400 participants joined us in either English or French, with live interpretation ensuring that everyone could fully engage. Attendees described the sessions as meaningful, inspiring, and immediately relevant to their work and daily lives.
Recordings from previous Respiratory Health Symposiums are available on our YouTube channel, helping extend the learning well beyond the event itself. We’re proud to create spaces for shared knowledge and collaboration — and plans are already underway for next year’s symposium.
What Comes Next
We’ve met with policy makers and lung patients, shared stories, and made real change—but our journey isn’t over. New Brunswickers living with lung disease rely on us to deliver our programs and support. We still need CPAP machines for those in need. We want to expand radon support, especially for folks who can’t afford repairs. We’re working toward more clean school buses, electric bikes, and public transit initiatives. We’re planning our next Respiratory Symposium, where we’ll keep learning, sharing, and caring—together. We’ll also continue to grow our Cannabis Harm Reduction program, tailoring resources for youth, pregnant individuals, and Indigenous communities to ensure culturally and age-appropriate approaches.
Every day, NB Lung staff and volunteers are working to improve the lives of people living with lung disease in New Brunswick, and it is all thanks to our generous donors that we are able to continue our work. Thank you too all of our partners and donors who help us move forward with our mission of improving respiratory health in communities across New Brunswick.
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Page Last Updated: 28/02/2023