Asthma Society of Canada

The Asthma Society of Canada (ASC) is a national, non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of people living with asthma and eliminating the disorder. Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing due to narrowing of small airways in the lungs (bronchioles). The society, which was established in 1973, offers a toll-free help line with trained health professionals to answer questions; develops and distributes print materials on asthma; facilitates support groups that enable affected individuals and family members to share information and mutual support; and runs camps for affected children. In addition, it promotes and funds asthma research, publishes a quarterly newsletter, and maintains a web site.