American Lung Association Joins Forces with Laura Dern and CVS Health to Raise Vital COVID-19 Funds

The American Lung Association is taking action to address the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare our nation for future respiratory diseases with Award-winning actress Laura Dern and CVS Health. From June 21-July 18, 2020, anyone can donate at their local CVS Pharmacy® or online to support the Lung Association’s new COVID-19 Action Initiative. The initiative will invest $25 million over three years to expand COVID-19 research, increase access to vaccines and antivirals and prevent future respiratory pandemics.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, West Virginia has sadly reported 2,571 active cases and 90 deaths as of June 23, 2020. The initiative will also support the 341,000 West Virginia residents living with a lung disease who are at high risk for complications from the virus.

“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our communities, including those who are more vulnerable to the impacts of the disease, such as older adults, Black and Hispanic communities, and the 341,000 West Virginia residentswho are living with a lung disease such as asthma or COPD,” said Alison Yazer, executive director of the American Lung Association in West Virginia. “To save more lives, it will take everyone coming together, and we’re proud to stand alongside Laura Dern and CVS Health to raise funds for lifesaving research.”

Dern is best known for her work in films such as Jurassic Park, Wild and in series including Showtime’s Twin Peaks and more recently HBO’s Big Little Lies. She recently won the Academy Award, Golden Globe and SAG Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Marriage Story.

“I am partnering with the American Lung Association and CVS Health so that we can give hope to everyone who would normally be vulnerable to infection, and prevent others from losing their loved ones,” said Dern. “If we come together, I know we can make a positive impact in the lives of the millions of people impacted by this terrible disease.” See Dern’s video here.

Funds raised through the CVS Health campaign will allow the Lung Association to expand COVID-19 research within the current studies of their Airways Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) Network, as well as new coronavirus awards and grants to advance knowledge for preventive research, vaccines, antivirals and to advance future outbreak preparedness. The initiative will also enhance key public health measures through education and advocacy, and establish an advanced network of government, private industry and public health organizations to stop future respiratory virus pandemics.

As a long-time partner of the American Lung Association, CVS Health has signed on as a leading sponsor of their COVID-19 Action Initiative. In addition to hosting the in-store fundraising campaign, CVS Health is now providing drive-thru COVID-19 testing at CVS Pharmacy locations in West Virginia. These tests are being offered at no-cost to improve access and necessary care for historically underserved communities.

For more information on the COVID-19 Action Initiative, visit Lung.org/covid-19. Journalists seeking to schedule an interview with a lung health expert may contact Valerie Gleason at 717-971-1123 or [email protected].