About Us
Founded 120 years ago, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy.
When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters®.
The American Lung Association is saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. We were founded 120 years ago by a group of volunteers dedicated to ending the lung health threat at the time: tuberculosis. With TB largely controlled in the United States, we have extended that mission to other respiratory diseases. And thanks to our donors, volunteers, program and event participants, and staff, we are America's trusted source for lung health education, lung disease research, support, programs, services and advocacy.
Our Strategic Imperatives:
Defeat Lung Cancer.
Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of both women and men in the United States. We call on all everyone to raise their voices to defeat this devastating disease and fund millions of dollars in research designed to find cures, prevent, and relieve suffering associated with lung cancer.
Champion clean air for all.
We work to protect public health from air pollution to ensure that all people have air that is safe and healthy to breathe. This includes promotion of electric vehicles, addressing climate change and advancing clean air policy.
Improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families.
More than 35 million people in this country live with a chronic lung disease like asthma and COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Through our programs, services and research, we help those with lung diseases find the help they need.
Create a tobacco-free future.
Every year, close to half a million people in the U.S. die from tobacco-caused disease and thousands of youth start vaping. We provide education and cessation resources and support, and we and have helped more than a million people quit smoking.
Our Leadership
Our Boards represent a diverse, cross-section of scientists, healthcare and policy professionals and local advocates. Their engaged leadership informs the work of dedicated staff at the national, regional and state level.
Scientific Advisors
Our medical and scientific experts provide strategic guidance that informs all our efforts.
Financial Statements
We hold ourselves accountable to our donors and everyone who has a stake in healthy air and healthy lungs. Learn how donations are used to help fulfill our lifesaving mission.
Policies
Find links to our policies, including privacy, terms of use, donor rights, communications preferences, public policy positions and corporate ethics reporting.
Careers
Be a part of something bigger and join the American Lung Association team. See our available positions.
Patient Advisory Groups
The patient advisors work closely with our Airways Clinical Research Centers network to help guide studies based on patient priorities, provide input into research design, methodologies and outcomes.
Awards
Each year we recognize volunteers, staff, researchers, health professionals and individuals across the country.
Contact Us
55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150
Chicago, IL 60601
1-800-LUNGUSA
