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.

Mission

We are focused on defeating lung cancer, creating a tobacco-free future, championing clean air for all and improving the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families.

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Impact

Our programs, initiatives and events help millions of Americans every day. See how our efforts make a difference for lung health.

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History

From tuberculosis to vaping, the American Lung Association has been tackling lung health issues for 120 years.

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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.

Annual Report

See how our work last year supported people across the country with education, advocacy and research.

Freedom From Smoking Clinic - Richmond, VA
Richmond, VA | Sep 03, 2024
Freedom From Smoking Clinic - Richmond, VA
Richmond, VA | Oct 29, 2024