AlphaNet Canada

AlphaNet Canada AlphaNet Canada is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in Canada affected by the genetic condition, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1).

We provide complimentary disease management services to individuals diagnosed with Alpha-1. Alpha-1 Canada advocates on behalf of Canadians affected by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. We also inform and educate the medical community about alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; and generate broad awareness about this genetic liver, lung and skin disease.

During this session, OLHI will explain its role as an independent ombuds service and how it helps consumers with insuran...
04/13/2026

During this session, OLHI will explain its role as an independent ombuds service and how it helps consumers with insurance complaints. You’ll learn how to submit a complaint and what types of complaints can be reviewed. Don't miss this chance to understand your rights and available resources! Knowledge is power!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/wNdw-oAXTlm_eaB9Id3Gxw

April in Canada marks the start of wildfire season, with elevated risk from early snowmelt, dry forests, and limited new...
04/10/2026

April in Canada marks the start of wildfire season, with elevated risk from early snowmelt, dry forests, and limited new vegetation. No region is immune to wildfire smoke, which can become severe depending on fire size and wind patterns. Exposure is linked to increased emergency visits for lung disease flare-ups, though its impact on Alpha-1 progression remains unclear.

Learn more in Environmental Risk Factors in the BFRG:
https://bfrg.alphanet.org/s/article/2-10-2-environmental-risk-factors

04/08/2026

Most people with COPD have never been tested to see if there is a genetic cause behind their condition.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) is one of the most common serious hereditary disorders in the world, but the diagnosis is frequently missed. Clinical guidelines recommend testing be done for all people diagnosed with COPD. In practice, that rarely happens.

Here is what healthcare professionals and patients should know:

- AATD reduces the lung's ability to protect itself from progressive damage

- Symptoms closely resemble standard COPD, making it easy to miss

- Early diagnosis opens the door to augmentation therapy and family screening

- A single blood test can identify whether AATD is the underlying cause

- First-degree relatives of someone with AATD should also be considered for testing

We have published a four-part educational series covering AATD from first diagnosis to family screening. Each article is written for both healthcare professionals and informed patients.

If you work with patients who have COPD, when was the last time AATD was part of the diagnostic conversation?

Learn more: https://chroniclungdiseases.com/en/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency/

Canadian Public Health Week is a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are impo...
04/07/2026

Canadian Public Health Week is a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our health and well-being.

Happy Easter!
04/05/2026

Happy Easter!

On March 26, we had a wonderful evening connecting with members of our Ontario patient community in Hamilton. Thank you ...
04/01/2026

On March 26, we had a wonderful evening connecting with members of our Ontario patient community in Hamilton. Thank you to everyone who came out and made the time to be there.

Building connections among Canadians living with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is central to our mission at AlphaNet Canada. If you would like us to organize a meet-and-greet in your community, please let us know in the comments or email us at infoca@alphanetcanada.ca.

Next stop: Calgary. Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 2 to 5 p.m. To attend, email us at the address above or contact Jon at 1-888-254-4993.

The opposite is also true. Without enough AAT circulating in the blood, your lungs are at higher risk for disease with a...
03/27/2026

The opposite is also true. Without enough AAT circulating in the blood, your lungs are at higher risk for disease with as few as 100 ci******es in a lifetime. You may develop COPD, particularly if you have other risk factors. Therefore, family testing is important to protect those who may not know about their risks.

To learn more, please visit bfrg.alphanet.org to access the Big Fat Reference Guide (BFRG).

AlphaNet Canada would like to thank for raising awareness about AATD and the importance of plasma donations to meet the...
03/27/2026

AlphaNet Canada would like to thank for raising awareness about AATD and the importance of plasma donations to meet the needs of those with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Please consider encouraging your friends and family to donate. They can find their closest plasma donation location at https://www.blood.ca/en/plasma/donating-plasma/where-donate-plasma

On this day, we raise awareness about the global tuberculosis epidemic and the ongoing efforts to eliminate it. Let's wo...
03/24/2026

On this day, we raise awareness about the global tuberculosis epidemic and the ongoing efforts to eliminate it. Let's work together to end tuberculosis and make the world a healthier place.

The opposite is also true. Without enough AAT circulating in the blood, your lungs are at higher risk for disease with a...
03/19/2026

The opposite is also true. Without enough AAT circulating in the blood, your lungs are at higher risk for disease with as few as 100 ci******es in a lifetime. You may develop COPD, particularly if you have other risk factors. Therefore, family testing is important to protect those who may not be aware of their risks.

To learn more, please visit bfrg.alphanet.org to access the Big Fat Reference Guide (BFRG).

For more information about family testing, visit alphanet.org/what-is-alpha-1/get-tested

Sleep Awareness Week is an opportunity to promote the importance of sleep health. Quality sleep is essential for well-be...
03/18/2026

Sleep Awareness Week is an opportunity to promote the importance of sleep health. Quality sleep is essential for well-being, though sleep patterns vary globally. Spread the word to highlight the significance of good sleep.

Learn more by reading “What is Normal Sleep?” in the Big Fat Reference Guide (BFRG) accessible via bfrg.alphanet.org.

Visit bfrg.alphanet.org: https://bfrg.alphanet.org/s/article/5-28-2-what-is-normal-sleep

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Toronto, ON

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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Alpha-1 Canada provides information, education and support to Canadians affected by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. We also inform and educate the medical community about alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; and generate broad awareness about this genetic liver, lung and skin disease.