American Lung Association

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  American Lung Association logo 2020

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  Several hundred Philadelphia school children form living TB double cross

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  American Lung Association Booth Kansas City

American Lung Association

The American Lung Association (ALA) is a leading organization in the United States dedicated to improving lung health and preventing lung disease. Founded in 1904, the ALA has been at the forefront of efforts to combat respiratory illnesses and promote clean air.

History

The American Lung Association was originally established as the National Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis (NASPT). Its primary mission was to combat tuberculosis, a major public health threat at the time. Over the years, as the incidence of tuberculosis declined, the organization expanded its focus to include other respiratory diseases and adopted its current name in 1973.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the American Lung Association is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The organization focuses on several key areas:

• Research: Funding and conducting research to find better treatments and cures for lung diseases.
• Education: Providing information and resources to help individuals manage their lung health.
• Advocacy: Working to influence public policy to improve air quality and reduce the prevalence of lung disease.
• Support: Offering support programs for individuals affected by lung disease.

Programs and Initiatives

The American Lung Association runs a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at achieving its mission:

• Freedom From Smoking®: A program designed to help individuals quit smoking, which is a major risk factor for many lung diseases.
• LUNG FORCE: An initiative to unite women and their loved ones to stand together against lung cancer and for lung health.
• Asthma Basics: An educational program to help people understand and manage asthma.
• Healthy Air Campaign: An advocacy effort to promote policies that ensure clean air for all Americans.

Lung Health and Diseases

The American Lung Association addresses a wide range of lung health issues, including:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems.
• Lung Cancer: The leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, which the ALA works to combat through research and awareness.
• Asthma: A chronic disease that affects the airways in the lungs, causing them to become inflamed and narrow.
• Influenza and other respiratory infections: The ALA provides information on prevention and treatment.

Advocacy and Public Policy

The American Lung Association is actively involved in advocacy efforts to influence public policy related to lung health. Key areas of focus include:

• Tobacco Control: Supporting legislation to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Clean Air: Advocating for stronger air quality standards to protect public health.
• Healthcare Access: Ensuring that individuals with lung disease have access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare.

Related Pages

• Tuberculosis
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Lung Cancer
• Asthma
• Influenza