TOP NEWS
Reducing Nicotine in Tobacco Products Would be a ‘Game Changer’
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this month released a new proposed rule requiring tobacco companies to reduce the nicotine levels in almost all combustible tobacco products in the U.S., including cigarettes. The new rule “would fulfill a major promise inherent in the Tobacco Control Act to save millions of lives,” said Harold Wimmer, Lung Association President & CEO, in a statement. “Making tobacco products non-addictive would dramatically reduce the number of young people who become hooked when they are experimenting. However, to fully address the toll of tobacco on our nation’s health and across all communities, we urge FDA to reduce nicotine levels to non-addictive levels in all tobacco products, including all cigars, hookah and e-cigarettes. The Lung Association looks forward to reviewing the proposed rule in detail and providing our comments to FDA.”
SUPPORT THE LUNG ASSOCIATION
Find Your Climb in 2025
Our first 2025 Flight For Air Climb events will be held in Columbus, Ohio on February 22; and in Las Vegas and Los Angeles on February 23. Another 30+ events are scheduled throughout the U.S. from March through June. Our premier stair-climbing events support programs to end lung cancer, champion clean air, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families, and create a tobacco-free future. Climbs are designed for every type of climber—from beginner to competitor—and include firefighters and first responders. Find your Climb.
PATIENT SUPPORT
Antivirals vs. Antibiotics: What You Need to Know
Antivirals and antibiotics are both powerful medications that help your body fight infections; many people don’t realize that they are not interchangeable. In fact, taking the wrong medication will not treat your illness, could cause harm, and can lead to antibiotic resistance—when medication is no longer able to destroy bacteria, leaving fewer treatment options.
Looking to Quit Smoking or Vaping in the New Year? We Can Help
Over the past 40 years, the Lung Association has helped more than one million people quit tobacco use for good. Our Freedom From Smoking® program—offered in a variety of formats— is consistently ranked among the most effective cessation programs in the country.
Program options include group programs, an online program, a self-help guide and motivational text support to help you quit at your own pace.
For additional support:
- Talk to a respiratory therapist or certified tobacco treatment specialist through our Lung HelpLine
- Chat and connect with other quitters who understand what you are going through
- Access our community and youth tobacco cessation toolkits and other community resources
RESEARCH UPDATE
New Advancing Research Magazine
Our 2024-2025 Advancing Research magazine is now available online. This signature publication captures the breadth of the American Lung Association Research Institute, from patient impact stories to scientific articles focused on lung cancer, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma and infectious diseases. Our Research Institute is championing the next generation of lung health scientists and lung health breakthroughs. Through our donors’ generous commitments, we were able to fund $22 million in research this past fiscal year, and we’re excited to build upon and grow our investment.
ADVOCACY
Protecting Medicaid in 2025
In December, we joined more than 30 other patient organizations in sending a letter to the House and Senate Budget Committees urging them to protect Medicaid from budget cuts this year. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide healthcare coverage to almost 80 million people (including many with lung disease) and could be a target in the House and Senate budget reconciliation process. The Lung Association is meeting with congressional offices to share the importance of current Medicaid funding levels in protecting and providing quality, affordable healthcare coverage. This includes enhanced premium tax credits which we outlined in a second letter to all members of Congress.
Protecting Young Lungs
Pediatric Pulmonologist S. Christy Sadreameli, MD, MHS is a Lung Association spokesperson who treats child and adolescent patients with asthma, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary complications associated with sickle cell disease, as well as childhood interstitial lung disease, an umbrella diagnosis that encompasses more than 200 rare pediatric lung disorders. In a recent Johns Hopkins Medicine article, Dr. Sadreameli talks about the importance of advocating for funding and optimal care for children living with pediatric lung disease: “I think all kids deserve to breathe clean and healthy air. They deserve adequate treatment for lung conditions they have, and their families should have access to treatments and be able to afford them.”
Sign up for the Lung Action Network to receive updates on legislation and policies impacting lung health, and how you can help.
EACH BREATH BLOG
Understanding the Dangers of Methane
As the colder months settle in and we spend more time indoors, it’s crucial to recognize the unseen hazards that methane gas, often called “natural gas,” poses to our health and environment. According to our recent blog, “How Methane Threatens Health on its Journey to Your Home,” methane contributes to a cascade of risks that harm communities, particularly those already burdened by pollution. And 61% of U.S. households use methane gas for cooking, heating and drying clothes. Understanding these threats can empower us to make informed choices for healthier, safer living.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
For over 120 years, we have been dedicated to making a difference and saving lives. Our efforts impact the more than 35 million people living in the U.S. with chronic lung disease, and millions more through our pioneering model of education, advocacy and research. Thank you for all you do to help us all breathe easier! Visit Lung.org/get-involved to learn more about how you can make a difference.
Blog last updated: January 17, 2025
