More than 20 million individuals each year are helped by our programs and initiatives. We support them through education, advocacy and research. Here’s how we’re making an impact.
Working to Defeat Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and despite its undeniable impact on our nation, the disease often remains in the shadows. While there are many misconceptions about lung cancer, the fact is that anyone can get it and no one deserves it. About every two minutes, someone in the U.S. learns they have the disease, and every day, lung cancer takes the lives of more than 342 of our friends, neighbors and loved ones.
LUNG FORCE is our nationwide strategic initiative that unites those impacted by lung cancer to raise their voices to defeat this devastating disease. Our "Team Turquoise" is now more than 200,000 voices strong and growing, since its inception in 2014.
In 2023, the American Lung Association launched its Research Institute, committed us to increasing our annual lung disease research investment to $25 million. Simultaneously, we are continually developing and improving support resources for lung cancer patients and their caregivers. Through LUNG FORCE Walks, online support resources and advocacy efforts, we are making a difference for the more than 600,000 people in the U.S. impacted by lung cancer.
Championing Clean Air for All
Air pollution poses a serious threat to our nation's health by harming our lungs and increasing our risk of lung disease. The American Lung Association works to protect public health from unhealthy air pollution by supporting the Clean Air Act and pushing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that everyone in this country has air that is safe and healthy to breathe. This includes encouraging more protective limits on ozone and particle pollution, reducing power plant carbon emissions, and cleaner gasoline and vehicle standards. Our annual State of the Air report analyzes data from official air quality monitors to easily compare and understand the air quality in your community, and what can be done to help improve the air we breathe!
Improving Quality of Life for Those Living with Lung Disease and Their Families
More than 35 million people living in the U.S. live with a chronic lung disease like asthma and COPD. Through education and support programs for those living with a lung disease, their loved ones and caregivers , the American Lung Association is continually working to reduce the burden of living with a lung disease.
Asthma affects 26.8 million Americans, including 4.5 million children, and accounts for millions of emergency department visits and tens of billions of dollars in healthcare costs each year. While there is no cure, asthma can be managed and treated, helping those with the disease lead a healthier life. Through Asthma Basics, we share a comprehensive and clear overview of asthma and a full suite of tools and resources for those living with asthma, their caregivers, families and healthcare professionals.
About 11.7 million people, or 4.6% of adults, have been diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema). COPD is an obstructive lung disease that over time makes it harder to breathe. However, this number may be much higher because more than 18 million adults have evidence of impaired lung function, which may be undiagnosed COPD. Through our local Better Breathers Clubs, patients and their caregivers can come together for in-person or online support groups where they can learn more about the free tools and resources that the American Lung Association provides to help COPD patients manage their disease and lead healthier, more active lives.
The American Lung Association is the premier resource for any lung-related question from the flu to lung cancer, pneumonia to smoking cessation assistance. Our national Lung HelpLine is staffed by registered nurses, respiratory therapists, certified tobacco treatment specialists and counselors to offer free answers to all of your lung-health related questions and connect you to the resources you need. Our quest to find cures and new and improved treatments for lung disease includes our Research Institute that has been a cornerstone of our organization for more than a century, and our Airways Clinical Research Network, the nation's largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers dedicated to asthma and COPD treatment research.
Creating a Tobacco-Free Future
Every year, close to half a million people in the U.S. die from tobacco-caused disease, including more than 41,000 from exposure to secondhand smoke. Unfortunately, this country is currently facing a youth vaping epidemic, causing lung injuries and death. Tragically, each day thousands of kids still pick up tobacco products, including cigarettes or e-cigarettes, for the first time. The cycle of addiction, illness and death continues. Through the American Lung Association's Freedom From Smoking® program, we have helped over a million Americans on their quest to live smokefree lives. And as a leading voice to end the youth vaping epidemic, we provide resources and support to schools, parents and youth.
We are also working to strengthen laws and policies that protect everyone from secondhand smoke and the deadly effects of tobacco use, including e-cigarettes. Our State of Tobacco Control report tracks progress at the state and federal level and offers proven solutions to reduce tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure across America. We are happy to report that 28 states and the District of Columbia have passed comprehensive laws prohibiting smoking in almost all public places and workplaces. But we won't stop until everyone in all 50 states can enjoy clean, smokefree air where they live, work and play.
Page last updated: September 16, 2024
