Cleveland Clinic Opens Multicultural Lung Health Center to Address Health Disparities

Cleveland Clinic is taking major steps to address health disparities related to respiratory care in Northeast Ohio. The hospital has announced the opening of a Multicultural Lung Health Center, and will provide free health screening at the American Lung Association’s annual LUNG FORCE Walk taking place September 18 at the Great Lakes Science Center. 

The new Multicultural Lung Health Center brings together teams of specialists within Cleveland Clinic’s Respiratory Institute who have expertise and cultural understanding in treating patients from diverse backgrounds. In addition, the center collaborates with Cleveland Clinic providers who manage diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and vascular disease or who can help with weight loss, physical fitness and smoking cessation. Patients will also have access to community education and outreach programs.

“Caring for the community is a long-standing priority at Cleveland Clinic. As a part of this commitment, we are opening a Multicultural Lung Health Center,” said Andre Smith, M.D., pulmonologist at Cleveland Clinic. “The Center will provide the same high level of excellent pulmonary and allergy care in a culturally sensitive setting. Further, the center will be dedicated to improving health literacy and engaging the community through lung healthy initiatives. We are excited to offer appointments to the Multicultural Lung Health Center and making sure everyone has access to world class care.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on long-standing respiratory health disparities among minority community. Black and Latino patients are at higher risks of COVID-19 infection, and are getting vaccinated at lower rates than other racial groups. Black and African Americans are more likely to develop more severe forms of asthma, lung cancer, sarcoidosis and other respiratory diseases.

“Cleveland Clinic is an excellent example of a community partner. With their support, we’re able to address lung health disparities that have existed for too long in our communities,” said Kim Covey, Executive Director of the Lung Association. “We’re proud to be partners with Cleveland Clinic and are grateful for all of the work and resources they put into our communities.”

Registration for the event is free but fundraising is encouraged. Those who raise a minimum of $100 will receive a commemorative t-shirt. More information is available at LUNGFORCE.org/Cleveland.