PH Awareness Month | PHA Canada

A Month Dedicated to Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness

Celebrated each November, PH Awareness Month is an international event that raises awareness of pulmonary hypertension (PH). People living with pulmonary hypertension worldwide, along with their loved ones and care providers, unite to raise awareness of the condition and the need for earlier diagnosis, more effective and accessible treatments, and—ultimately—a cure.

What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (blood vessels) that carry blood to the lungs. PH is a rare but very complex and serious lung disease that is progressive and potentially fatal.

Unfortunately, pulmonary hypertension symptoms are similar to other lung and cardiac diseases, making an accurate PH diagnosis difficult. To know more about pulmonary hypertension, consult the following PHA Canada pages:

Introduction to Pulmonary Hypertension Video Series
What is pulmonary hypertension?
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes It’s PH (for Healthcare Professionals)
About Pulmonary Hypertension (for Healthcare Professionals)

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has significant emotional, social, and financial impacts on patients and their families. PH is also often called an “invisible disease,” meaning that those with it may not look ill. All people living with pulmonary hypertension deserve equitable and timely access to the best care possible. No two journeys with PH are alike, and each person’s story can teach us about the impact of living with pulmonary hypertension and how to improve the lives of patients and families affected by PH. That is why PHA Canada created the #LifeInPurple campaign.

How Can You Help?

Join us this PH Awareness Month as we come together to raise awareness, advocate for change, and fundraise for the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community. Every action, big or small, brings us closer to a future where all Canadians affected by pulmonary hypertension receive the support they need.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Awareness

Help us spread the word about pulmonary hypertension and its impact. The more people who understand PH, the greater our chances of making a difference. Here’s how you can raise awareness:

Share Our Social Media Posts
Follow us on social media and amplify our message by sharing our posts. Use the hashtag #PHAwareness and encourage your friends and followers to learn more about pulmonary hypertension.

Use the Power of 6
Tell 6 people about pulmonary hypertension and encourage them each to tell 6 more people. It’s a powerful way to spread knowledge and build a network of support. Together, we can grow a wave of awareness that reaches across Canada.

Share Our Report "The Socioeconomic Burden of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Canada"
Our latest report highlights the impact of pulmonary arterial hypertension on patients and caregivers. Sharing this report is an effective way to inform others about the realities faced by the pulmonary hypertension community and motivate action.

2. Advocacy

In 2024, we launched the #TimeMattersPAH campaign to ensure public access to sotatercept (Winrevair™), a life-changing therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. Your voice can help secure timely access to this essential treatment.

Visit our advocacy page to learn how you can get involved and make a meaningful impact. Together, we can ensure timely access to this essential treatment and support a better future for all those living with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

3. Fundraising - 6-Minute Walk for Breath

Fundraising is crucial in supporting research, awareness efforts, and community support initiatives. Here’s how you can help raise funds and make a difference:

Register for the 6-Minute Walk for Breath
In November, Lace up your shoes and join us for the 6-Minute Walk for Breath. Participate in person or virtually to raise funds and show your support for those living with pulmonary hypertension.
Spread the Word Using the Power of 6
Recruit 6 people to join the walk or support your fundraising efforts. Challenge them to tell 6 more people—it’s an easy way to build momentum and increase support!
Donate and Fundraise
Make a personal donation or start your own fundraising campaign. You can fundraise as an individual, join an existing team, or create a team with friends, family, or colleagues. Every dollar raised helps us support Canadians affected by pulmonary hypertension.