Organization Uses 115 Years Experience to Address COVID-19; Local Event Raises Money to Support Initiative

The American Lung Association was founded to address the tuberculosis pandemic in 1904, and now the organization is using the same model to help end COVID-19. On November 14, the South Carolina LUNG FORCE Run/Walk will raise money to fund the Lung Association’s new COVID-19 Action Initiative, as well as their work to end all lung disease.

When tuberculosis threatened public health in the early 1900s, the Lung Association pioneered the model of education, advocacy and research to virtually eliminate the disease. Using these same principles, the organization is working to address the current respiratory pandemic, COVID-19, through their COVID-19 Action Initiative.

“The Lung Association has a deep history of addressing serious public health issues. More than 115 years ago, we launched Christmas Seals to end tuberculosis, and then pivoted to address cigarette smoking, air pollution, lung cancer, and other lung health issues,” said Rebecca Balitsaris, executive director for the Lung Association. “Now more than ever it is important to support lung health through scientifically proven methods.”

The COVID-19 Action Initiative is a significant investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies. The initiative also provides healthcare provider training, supports COVID-19 testing, gifts masks to underserved communities, hosts educational town halls, and much more.

On November 14, the Lung Association in South Carolina will hold the first-ever virtual LUNG FORCE Run/Walk to raise money for the COVID-19 Action Initiative, as well as to fund efforts to end all lung cancer and lung disease. The event includes a 4-week training program, fun challenges leading up to the event and the virtual LUNG FORCE 5k Run/Walk on November 14.

Registration for the South Carolina LUNG FORCE Run/Walk is $25. For more information and to register, visit the South Carolina LUNG FORCE Run/Walk website.