Driven by a shared vision, both organizations recognize the urgent need to empower individuals to take control of their lung health through education, expert guidance, and tailored services. This common goal is the foundation of a new partnership that aims to transform the way respiratory care is delivered across Canada.
“At Asthma Canada, we’ve seen first-hand the life-changing impact of personalized support. Our free Asthma & Allergy HelpLine connects individuals with Certified Respiratory Educators (CREs), and the response speaks for itself; 88% of users rate the service 9 or 10 out of 10 and 7 in 10 report improved health outcomes after a call. Our HelpLine is especially valuable to individuals and families without a primary care physician and people living in underserved communities. – Jeffrey Beach, President & CEO, Asthma Canada.
“When I found out my young son had asthma, I felt so lost. We live in a small town where information isn’t easy to find, and the more I read online, the more scared I became. Finding your website and HelpLine meant so much. The CRE helped me understand triggers and how to manage asthma—without all the overwhelming medical jargon. Thank you so much for your help.”— Asthma Canada HelpLine User.
Other supports offered by Asthma include:
- A range of remote supports designed to empower people living with asthma, no matter where they are in the country. These include a library of trusted, evidence-based online educational resources such as downloadable booklets, informative webpages, and expert-led webinars covering everything from daily asthma management to navigating environmental triggers.
- Individuals can also become an Asthma Canada Community Member, gaining access to exclusive updates on the latest asthma research, health alerts, upcoming events, and advocacy opportunities. These supports are free and accessible anytime, helping people living with asthma stay informed, connected, and in control of their health.
Building on this shared commitment to personalized care, Asthma Canada is proud to team up with Sun Life’s Respiratory Care Program. Launched in May 2024, this program helps people living with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) better manage their lung health.
“Together with Asthma Canada, we’re working to help connect more people with the respiratory care and support they need,” said Marie-Chantal Côté, Senior Vice-President, Sun Life Health. “We believe that everyone deserves access to personalized care, regardless of their circumstances. This program is helping bring care directly into the homes of Canadians.”
This no-cost, virtual program is available to all Canadians living with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is offered through Lumino Health™ Pharmacy1, provided by Pillway2.
Tristan Joseph, a freelance health communications consultant from London, Ontario who lives with asthma and allergies, recently tried Sun Life’s program and shared her experience:
“I saw that Sun Life offers this initiative and thought I’d give it a try. It came at the perfect time as my asthma is really triggered by wildfire smoke…. I found it really helpful and picked up some great tips for managing my asthma. Honestly, I’ve noticed an improvement since my first session.”
What the Respiratory Care Program Offers
The Respiratory Care Program provides personalized, expert-led support, including:
- A comprehensive Action Plan to manage medications and identify flare-ups
- Video consultations to review inhaler technique, understand treatment guidelines, and manage side effects
- Ongoing monitoring of symptoms and regular follow-up appointments
- Advice and resources on how factors like sleep, allergies, and vaccinations impact respiratory health
- All program services are delivered by Certified Respiratory Educators (CREs)—licensed pharmacists trained in respiratory care.
Key Program Benefits
- One-on-one support from CRE pharmacists to help individuals manage their asthma/COPD
- Virtual access to care from anywhere in Canada*
- Free enrollment with no additional cost to participate
- Access to Lumino Health™ Pharmacy1, provided by Pillway2, services (online prescription refills, pharmacist support, free delivery).
Who can join the Respiratory Care Program?
Anyone in Canada (except Quebec) diagnosed with asthma or COPD can enroll.
Can my spouse/partner or child join?
Yes. The program is open to spouses, partners, and children aged 5 and older.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. The program is completely free to participants.
Do I need to transfer my prescriptions to Lumino Health™ Pharmacy1?
No. Transferring prescriptions is not required to join the program, but it is an option available to you.
For more details or to enroll, visit this page.
1 SHG Pharmacy Inc. and SHG West Pharmacy Inc., doing business as Pillway pharmacies, are partially owned by Simpill Health Group Inc. For your information, and as a point of disclosure, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada has partial ownership in Simpill Health Group Inc.
2 Pharmacy services are provided by Pillway.
TM – Used under license by Simpill Health Group Inc.
*Note: The program is not currently available to Quebec residents.
Sun Life reserves the right to modify or cancel this program at anytime.
