NPHI Recognizes American Lung Association's Innovative Work to Help People with Advanced Lung Disease

Today at the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) 2024 Annual Summit, the American Lung Association received the NPHI Healthcare in Action Innovation Award. Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the Lung Association received the award at the conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Healthcare in Action Innovation Award is a prestigious accolade given by NPHI that celebrates organizations that epitomize the pioneering spirit of innovation in healthcare. This award recognizes organizations that envision and implement groundbreaking solutions to address the evolving challenges of end-of-life care and beyond. The Lung Association received this award for their work to improve the quality of life for those living with advanced lung disease by creating the “Advanced Lung Care Patient and Caregiver Guide,” along with an accompanying guide for healthcare providers, in partnership with NPHI.

“More than 34 million people in the U.S. are living with a chronic lung disease, so it is critical for organizations like the American Lung Association and NPHI to work together on innovative and creative solutions to improve the lives of people living with these diseases,” said Wimmer. “An important part of living with chronic lung disease is finding the right support, both for the patient and the caregivers. Whether a person has COPD, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease or another type of chronic lung disease, this guide is critical for people to learn new home care strategies to manage symptoms, all to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and ER visits. Thank you to our partners at NPHI for recognizing and celebrating this important work.”

By honoring the trailblazers who lead the charge in shaping the healthcare system of the future, the NPHI Healthcare in Action Innovation Award underscores the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and, above all, innovation in driving positive change in healthcare. 

"NPHI is honored to present the Healthcare in Action Innovation Award to the American Lung Association. Today, we celebrate their ongoing commitment as a health innovator and their relentless pursuit of health equity for all. This recognition also underscores the significance of our partnership and the innovative solutions we've developed together on the guides. The Lung Association’s outstanding dedication serves as a true inspiration to us all," stated Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO of NPHI.

The “Advanced Lung Care Patient and Caregiver Guide” is a home care resource to help people with chronic lung disease and their caregivers learn and practice skills to prevent or manage some respiratory symptoms at home while under the care of their medical team. The free guide includes tips for symptom management and self-care, medications, diet, advance care planning and more. It is available for free to people living with chronic lung disease and their families here.