GET INVOLVED

Volunteer

Generosity comes in many forms. PHA Canada is grateful for the many people who choose to contribute to our mission by volunteering their time and unique skills.

Volunteer Opportunities

Knowledge Philanthropists are specialized volunteers recruited to PHA Canada for a specific project or job assignment. Depending on their professional background, Knowledge Philanthropists may assist with a variety of projects and activities.

Position Classification: One-year volunteer term

Link to Mission: PHA Canada’s mission is to empower the pulmonary hypertension community through support, education, advocacy, awareness, and research. We do this on behalf of and in collaboration with all Canadians affected by pulmonary hypertension, including families and caregivers. Each Knowledge Philanthropist serves PHA Canada’s mission in their own way. Depending on their professional background, they may assist with content development, resource design, digital marketing, capacity building, or more.

Responsibilities: Knowledge Philanthropists work closely with a designated staff person to develop a Letter of Agreement that outlines the deliverables expected of the Knowledge Philanthropist, the length of time of the volunteer commitment, and any training, equipment, materials, or benefits provided by PHA Canada.

Scope: This is a part-time volunteer position.

How to apply: Applicants are invited to contact us at info@phacanada.ca

Our Board of Directors consists of people living with pulmonary hypertension, family members and caregivers of PH patients, and medical professionals who specialize in the management of PH. Learn more about our current Board of Directors.

Position Classification: Two-year volunteer term

Link to Mission: The Board of Directors supports the work of PHA Canada and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance.

Responsibilities: The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing PHA Canada's strategic direction and ensuring that we have the necessary resources in place to accomplish our goals.

Scope: This is a part-time volunteer position. The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for PHA Canada’s day-to-day operations, including staff and volunteer management, to the Executive Director.

How to apply: Applicants are invited to contact us at info@phacanada.ca.

Peer Mentors are compassionate individuals with lived experience of pulmonary hypertension (PH)—either as patients, caregivers, or close family members. They provide emotional support, encouragement, and guidance to community members navigating the PH journey. Through structured one-on-one communication, Peer Mentors help reduce feelings of isolation, build resilience, and share their experience in a safe, supportive environment.

Position Classification: Two-year volunteer term

Link to Mission: PHA Canada’s mission is to empower the pulmonary hypertension community through support, education, advocacy, awareness, and research. Peer Mentors play a vital role in this mission by offering understanding, encouragement, and connection to those facing the challenges of life with PH.

Responsibilities: As a Peer Mentor, you will:

Support PH patients and caregivers by walking alongside them in their journey
Offer encouragement and share lived experiences (not medical advice)
Commit to a six-month mentorship relationship with each mentee
Connect with your mentee at least once per month (by phone or video call)
Attend monthly virtual volunteer meetings or training sessions
Submit monthly logs and feedback forms at the 3- and 6-month marks
Participate in check-ins with the program manager as needed

Requirements

Must be a person living with PH, a caregiver, or a close family member/friend of someone with PH
Must be at least two years post-diagnosis

Time Commitment

Two-year commitment to the program, supporting one or more mentees during that time
1–2 hours per month per mentee, plus 1 hour for monthly group meetings

Support & Training

Completion of an 8-hour self-directed Peer Mentor training program (required)
Ongoing group training (up to 10 hours per year)

Honorarium
Peer Mentors will receive an honorarium of $200 upon completion of the required training program.

Learn more about this role by reading the Position Description.

How to apply: Applicants are invited to contact Kimberly Brunelle, Director, Programs, at kbrunelle@phacanada.ca

By joining the Patient Partner Advisory Council (PPAC), you will play a vital role in ensuring that patient and caregiver voices are at the heart of PHA Canada’s work. The PPAC advises on organizational priorities, programs, advocacy, and research initiatives, ensuring the needs of the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community guide everything we do. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference and help shape the future of PH care, advocacy, and support in Canada.

Position Classification: Two-year renewable term (upon appointment by the Board of Directors)

Link to Mission: PHA Canada’s mission is to empower the pulmonary hypertension community through support, education, advocacy, awareness, and research. As a PPAC member, you will advance this mission by bringing lived experience and community perspectives into decision-making at the organizational level.

Responsibilities: As a PPAC member, you will:

Serve as an advisor to PHA Canada by sharing patient and caregiver perspectives
Help shape advocacy priorities, education and support programs, and research initiatives
Uphold PHA Canada’s values of integrity, respect, commitment, and excellence

Requirements

Demonstrated history of volunteerism with PHA Canada (e.g., committees, projects, events)
Completion of the Patient Partner Leadership training program
Commitment to active participation, including attending meetings, reviewing materials, and contributing to initiatives

Term & Time Commitment

Two-year renewable term (by appointment of the Board of Directors)
4 virtual meetings per year (quarterly), with occasional in-person opportunities if feasible
Additional time as needed for preparation, feedback, and project contributions

Support & Training

Completion of the self-directed Patient Partner training program (approx. 4 hours)
Participation in ongoing group trainings (up to 10 hours per year)

Honorarium

PPAC members will receive an honorarium of $100 upon completion of the required training program.

Learn more about this role by reading the Position Description.

How to apply: Applicants are invited to contact Kimberly Brunelle, Director, Programs, at kbrunelle@phacanada.ca

The Indigenous PH Advisory Council is a collaborative body of Indigenous individuals with lived experience, knowledge, and expertise related to pulmonary hypertension (PH). Members provide guidance to PHA Canada to ensure our programs, services, and advocacy efforts are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and effective for Indigenous communities across Canada.

The Council amplifies Indigenous voices within the PH community, identifies the unique challenges faced by Indigenous patients and caregivers, and helps shape solutions that respect Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and healing practices—while working toward improved healthcare outcomes.

Position Classification: Two-year volunteer term

Link to Mission: PHA Canada’s mission is to empower the pulmonary hypertension community through support, education, advocacy, awareness, and research. The Indigenous PH Advisory Council ensures this mission is inclusive of and responsive to the needs of Indigenous communities by centering Indigenous voices, perspectives, and cultural knowledge.

Responsibilities: As a Council member, you will:

Share personal and community experiences related to PH care
Identify barriers, gaps, and opportunities for improvement in Indigenous PH care
Review and provide feedback on PHA Canada materials and initiatives
Build connections between PHA Canada and Indigenous communities, organizations, and healthcare providers
Provide cultural guidance, including insight into cultural protocols and practices
Advise on cultural safety in healthcare delivery and decolonization efforts in PH education and care models
Support awareness initiatives and the development of culturally appropriate resources

Requirements: We are seeking Indigenous individuals (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) with diverse perspectives and backgrounds, including:

Persons living with PH
Caregivers/care partners or close family members/friends of someone with PH
Indigenous healthcare providers
Indigenous community health advocates
Elders or knowledge keepers (as appropriate)

Time Commitment

Two-year commitment to ensure continuity and knowledge retention
3–5 hours per month to attend virtual meetings, review documents, and provide feedback
Occasional additional time for preparation or project-related contributions
Occasional in-person opportunities if feasible

Support & Training

One-time orientation session on PHA Canada and pulmonary hypertension (approx. 1 hour)
Technical support for virtual participation
Cultural and ceremonial support as appropriate

Honorarium

Council members will receive an honorarium of $25 per hour for their time spent attending monthly virtual meetings and required training sessions.

Learn more about this role by reading the Position Description.

How to apply: Please fill out the online application form.