NBCC joined forces with Horizon Health, the University of New Brunswick, and Dalhousie Medicine to launch five student-led community pulmonary rehab clinics. These clinics provided in-demand rehabilitation services to seniors living with COPD, while offering Respiratory Therapy students important work experience and opportunities to interact with real patients.

Students facilitate education sessions and lead seniors through a series of low-impact exercises aimed at teaching them how to manage their COPD symptoms and improving their quality of life. After completing the program, participants should be able to walk farther, feel fewer COPD symptoms, and have a more positive outlook on their overall health.

The collaboration is similar to those undertaken via the Future NB initiative, which fosters collaborative relationships between the business community and students across New Brunswick. Through experiential learning, students gain real world experience while contributing to the development of their community.