In what can be called the best societal level COPD management model for the world, Cowichan Valley, a region in Vancouver Island which has the highest incidences of COPD in British Columbia, has established an innovative, community-level  COPD support team. The team consists of a registered respiratory therapist, pharmacist and behavioral health clinician, among others, and provides assessment, education and disease management support for people with moderate to severe COPD symptoms. Dr. Michelle Weizel, executive medical director for the Cowichan and Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project, said that the project is aimed to create an impact at the community level and support people at home to avoid unnecessary hospital visits and admissions. Cowichan Valley is a region around the Cowichan River, Cowichan Bay and Cowichan Lake on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada.