TOP NEWS
RAD for Lung Health: September 21 was our very first Respiratory Advocacy Day (RAD) where members of our asthma and COPD Patient Advisory Groups came to Capitol Hill in D.C. to advocate for the urgent need for supplemental oxygen reform, the Family Asthma Act and for robust and sustained funding for CDC and NIH. Please join our RAD advocates and take action in support of their efforts.
1,000 Millennials Enroll in Nationwide Lung Health Study: More than 1,000 millennials have now enrolled in the first-ever nationwide research study that aims to redefine lung health in the U.S. This is a critical milestone for the American Lung Association Lung Health Cohort Research Study. But more participants are needed for this study of lung health in millennials. We encourage millennials to learn more about the study and enroll at: Lung.org/lung-study.
Asthma Basics: Revealing the newly updated interactive course for all! Asthma Basics is a free interactive course offered in English and Spanish that can be accessed online or provided as an in-person or virtual live workshop. Just last year, the Lung Association had more than 5,400 people enroll in the Asthma Basics course. Asthma Basics is designed for anyone, including patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. This program will teach participants to recognize and manage triggers, understand the value of an asthma action plan, and recognize and respond to a breathing emergency. Asthma Basics includes continuing education credits for those who are eligible.
The recent redesign of this course includes updated content, more videos, added features to make it more personalized and interactive, divided the content from one large module into three topic-specific modules, includes "choose your own adventure" style scenario activities and gamified learning. If you have taken Asthma Basics previously, we invite you to come back for a new experience. Learn more and take the free Asthma Basics course at Lung.org/Asthma-Basics.
SUPPORT THE LUNG ASSOCIATION
Come Join Us for Fall Events! Fall event season is here, and LUNG FORCE Walks and Run/Walks, Treks and other Autumn events are in full swing. Each offers you a great way to get out and show your love for healthy lungs! Want to get inspired? Read this wonderful blog about one of our super-motivated LUNG FORCE Heroes. Get involved!
RESEARCH
Expanding Upon Our Research Investment: The American Lung Association Research Institute is proud to announce the investment of an additional $13.6 million to fund 129 promising research projects to accelerate lung health research for 2023-2024. “Lung Association’s Awards and Grants Program promotes innovative research, collaboration, translation of discoveries and scientific exchange to transform today’s science into tomorrow’s solutions,” said President and CEO Harold Wimmer. Meet the scientists who are helping to make a difference: Lung.org/research-team
Investing in Critical Work to Create Universal Flu Shot: The American Lung Association Research Institute has announced a three-year, $500,000 grant to Texas Biomedical Research Institute to help accelerate its efforts to develop a universal flu vaccine. This is the second Accelerator Program investment that the Lung Association has made since it launched the American Lung Association Research Institute earlier this year.
PATIENT SUPPORT
October is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Awareness Month: RSV Awareness Month is a great time to learn about RSV, a common respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness. There are new immunizations available to help protect those at higher risk for severe RSV complications, including infants and adults aged 60 years and older. Learn more about RSV and prevention methods at Lung.org/RSV and through the resources below:
- Understanding RSV video in English and Spanish
- Blog article: New RSV Immunizations can Protect Your Newborn
- RSV Resource Library including videos, blogs, factsheets and more.
- Learn more about RSV immunizations on our website.
Learn About CTEPH
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension or CTEPH is a progressive form of pulmonary hypertension caused when blood clots form scar-like tissue in the lung’s arteries, blocking or narrowing the arteries. Without treatment, this rare disease can be fatal. Learn more about CTEPH at Lung.org and find out why Dolores is on a mission to educate people about this disease.
TOBACCO
New Tobacco Warning Signs: As of October 1, signs telling the public the truth about the deadly consequences of cigarette smoking are now required to be posted at about 220,000 retail stores across the nation that sell cigarettes. This federal court order is part of the historic 2006 case that found Big Tobacco guilty of racketeering.
HEALTHY AIR
New Report Calls for Federal Action to Address Wildfire Crisis: The Biden administration’s Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission has released a report with recommendations for federal action to address the growing wildfire crisis. Recommendations include calls for increased federal funding for public health agencies to address wildfire smoke exposure, improved air quality monitoring, greater investments in community outreach and preparedness, support for research into the impacts of wildfire on wildland firefighters and outdoor workers, and efforts to enable prescribed fire consistent with the Clean Air Act. The Lung Association applauds the call for increased efforts to safeguard people in the U.S. from wildfire smoke.
EACH BREATH BLOG
New RSV Immunizations Can Protect Your Newborn: Expecting a baby? RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in babies, with more than 500,000 emergency department visits in children under five every year. There are new options to help prevent your infant from getting severe RSV. Read more.
Did you know? Even among top rated charities, the American Lung Association stands out! This year, we have earned an Impressive 99 Out of 100 score for Exceptional Commitment to Mission and Strong Financial Stewardship from Charity Navigator! This is on top of already holding a coveted 4-star rating from America’s largest independent charity evaluator. In addition, we have received the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar. This means you can donate with confidence that the Lung Association will be transparent and excellent financial stewards of your gift. We are proud of these exceptional ratings and grateful for your trust and ongoing support!
Blog last updated: October 16, 2023
