Happy 3rd Birthday, Poplar!
On October 10th, Poplar Pulmonary Wellness turns three!
Happy Birthday, Poplar! We’re pretty excited to see our little company growing, standing strong, and making a difference in the lives of people living with chronic lung conditions.
Three years ago, we—Jenna and Tina—started Poplar with a simple hope: to help fill some of the gaps we saw in healthcare.
We knew that people living with chronic respiratory conditions often needed more support, education, connection, and opportunities to stay active than the healthcare system could provide. So, one step at a time, we started creating services to help fill those gaps.
And, as you might expect, we keep finding new ones!
But those gaps have become fuel for our fire. They inspire us to keep learning, creating, collaborating, and expanding our services so that people living with chronic lung conditions can get the support they need and want.
Today, we’re proud of what Poplar has become—and we’re even more excited about where we’re going.
So, what are we celebrating?
Three amazing years of community
Our free online Poplar Community continues to grow, with new resources, videos, education, and opportunities to connect.
Our Resource Hub includes practical information about living well with a chronic lung condition, with topics such as:
Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat
Home Oxygen
Bronchial Hygiene and Mucus Clearance
Bronchiectasis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Asthma
COPD
And much more!
Pulmonary Rehabilitation that keeps going!
Our online Pulmonary Rehabilitation program is going strong! (Get it, strong?!)
Our 8-week program combines exercise, practical education, and connection to help people build confidence and improve their everyday lives.
And the support doesn’t have to stop when the program ends.
Our Fitness Club provides ongoing opportunities to stay active, build strength, and support lifelong lung health. Even better, our members encourage one another, share advice, celebrate successes, and cheer each other on.
Free Inhaler Technique Workshops
Thanks to our collaboration with Thompson Rivers University Respiratory Therapy students, we offer free online Inhaler Technique Workshops through the Poplar Community. If you use an inhaler, having your technique checked regularly can help make sure you’re getting the most from your medication.
Join us from January to April for a free inhaler technique check!
Harmonicas, pickleball, walking—and lots of connection!
Our partnership with the BC Lung Foundation has opened the door to some wonderful programs for people living with chronic lung conditions in BC.
Harmonicas for Health and Happiness continues to be a favourite! We’re now running our 9th cohort, with the next session beginning in January.
Better Breathers Pickleball is an in-person pilot program at IPOP Burnaby. Twice a month, Respiratory Therapy instructors and pickleball coaches help participants learn to play safely, build confidence, and have fun.
And the Better Breathers Club of BC brings people together online each month with Lung Health Educators. Participants can learn breathing techniques, explore gentle movement, ask questions, and—perhaps most importantly—connect with others who understand what it’s like to live with a lung condition.
Get moving with the TB Vets Community Walk Club
Our newest adventure is a partnership with TB Vets, bringing us the TB Vets Community Walk Club.
Every Monday morning at 10am, we meet at Trout Lake Community Centre in Vancouver for a fun, relaxed walk outdoors. Everyone is welcome, regardless of fitness level. We walk at a comfortable pace and include guided warmups and cooldowns, guessing games, nature, and lots of friendly conversation.
Want to join us? Call 604-257-6955 or visit the TB Vets walking club page for more information.
Helping to bring spirometry to the community
Poplar has always been about filling healthcare gaps—and one of those gaps is access to community spirometry services.
We now help physician clinics get their spirometry services up and running, from equipment selection and technician support to working toward DAP accreditation so clinics can bill for their services.
We even offer a Spirometry Maintenance Package to help clinics stay on top of their ongoing accreditation requirements.
And then there’s Team Poplar!
As Poplar has grown, so has our team.
We are incredibly grateful for the amazing professionals who have crossed our path—and decided to stick around!
Our incredible team of Respiratory Therapists includes Kate, Shadae, Jane, Tracee, Jacqueline, Carmen, and Emily.
Our business, video, and marketing experts include Theresa, Tam-Lynn, Nathan, Heather, and Marian.
Our physiotherapist and kinesiologist partners include Sarah, Charles, and Mazin.
Our Registered Dietitian and Occupational Therapist partners include Keira and Cindy.
Thank you, Team Poplar, for making this mission your own. We couldn’t do it without you!
And most importantly…thank you to our community.
To our participants, members, collaborators, supporters, volunteers, and friends: Thank you. You are the reason Poplar exists.
You are the people who show up, share your stories, ask questions, encourage others, try something new, and remind us why this work matters.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes a community to grow a Poplar! We are so grateful for our village.
What’s next?
As we look toward year four, we’re as hopeful and excited as ever.
There are more gaps to fill. More ideas to explore. More people to reach. And, we’re sure, a few surprises along the way.
We’d love for you to continue the journey with us.
Here’s how you can be part of Poplar:
Join our free online Poplar Community to stay up-to-date on programs, services, education, and events.
Sign up for The Poplar Pulse, our monthly newsletter, for lung health information, upcoming programs, and news from Poplar.
Follow us on social media @poplarpulmonary and help us spread the word.
And if you know someone living with a chronic lung condition who could benefit from what we do, share Poplar with them. Call 236-361-3480 to connect with us.
Three years down. A whole lot more to come. Happy 3rd Birthday, Poplar!
Here’s to filling gaps, building connections, and helping people live their best lung lives!