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Midwest COPD Network raises awareness for COPD
In recognition of our successful leadership of the Illinois COPD Coalition, we received a subcontract from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to convene The Midwest COPD Network. Through partner meetings in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, we have built a network of healthcare providers, community members and organizations to discuss current COPD collaborative efforts and identify ways to educate others about the disease, early identification, proper care and management. In recognition of November as COPD Awareness Month, a special issue of Inspiration newsletter was distributed to 1,300 Walgreens stores. In the coming months, partners will host viewings of select presentations from our Living Better Together COPD Conference.
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Fight Asthma Now® addresses youth asthma in Chicago and beyond
Our Fight Asthma Now® (FAN) program was highlighted in an article published in the October 2011 issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Led by Dr. Giselle Mosnaim of Rush University, a research team assessed the impact of FAN among predominantly low-income minority youth and teens. The study showed that FAN significantly increases asthma knowledge and improves technique for using a spacer, both of which are essential to managing one’s asthma.
FAN has been adopted by the Los Angeles Unified School District, and nurses recently began teaching FAN classes. We look forward to sharing this important curriculum!
To bring asthma programs to your school, contact Marc at mrosen@lungchicago.org or (312) 628-0229.
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Tobacco prevention engages youth
As part of the Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project’s goal to reduce youth smoking rates, we have deployed hard-hitting media and used contests and hands-on learning opportunities. More than 1,200 students representing nearly half of Chicago’s aldermanic wards have participated in Operation Storefront, an interactive curriculum that educates youth about tobacco advertising and encourages them to consider the negative impacts of tobacco use. Last summer, youth-developed anti-tobacco commercials aired on radio and TV for our Share the Truth contest. Recently, we announced Elizabeth Salinas, a Columbia College student, as the winner of a graphic design contest for her entry that depicts the harmful effects of secondhand smoke on children. Her work is now displayed on billboards, CTA platforms and buses.
Project reaches policy milestones
The Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project has worked with key community partners to achieve policy and systems changes that encourage sustainable smoke-free environments. Recently, we helped the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago adopt a smoke-free housing policy that covers 1,000 residential units, and the Chicago Housing Authority announced the grand reopening of one of its communities as smoke-free. In addition, we have facilitated the adoption of tobacco-free campus policies at more than a dozen hospitals and facilities serving people living with mental illnesses and/or substance abuse disorders.
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Respiratory Health Assocaition receives Loveland award for public health
In April, Respiratory Health Association received the American College of Physicians’ Edward R. Loveland Memorial Award, given for a distinguished contribution in the health field. We were recognized for our advocacy work, specifically our efforts to pass laws to protect all employees from secondhand smoke in workplaces. The award also recognizes our Fight Asthma Now® program and our efforts to raise awareness for COPD prevention, diagnosis and treatment. With this honor, we join the ranks of past recipients including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Better Business Bureau recognizes achievement of charity standards
Respiratory Health Association was recently recognized for meeting all 20 standards for charity accountability by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. To receive this distinction, the BBB evaluated our trustworthiness as demonstrated by our governance, financial soundness and corporate ethics. You can give the gift of lung health! Make a donation today!
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New awards give hope
Two new research awards explore causes and treatments for lung diseases. Through our partnership with Blowitz-Ridgeway Foundation, we are supporting the work of Anne Marie Singh, MD, at Northwestern University, who seeks to better understand immune differences in children at a greater risk of developing asthma. With the Chest Foundation, we are funding Danit Ariel, MD, at Stanford University, who is researching gender differences and insulin resistance in asthma.
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City cleans up construction projects
In April, Chicago City Council passed the city’s first ever clean diesel construction ordinance. Sponsored by Mayor Daley, the ordinance will require the use of cleaner diesel fuel and less-polluting diesel trucks and equipment on city-funded construction projects. Cleaning up this equipment is expected to reduce the number of asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes in the city while helping us all breathe easier.
Clean construction requirements have been included in the U.S. Senate’s version of the next Federal Transportation Bill, awaiting approval in Washington, D.C. We continue to work locally and nationally to lower diesel pollution by advocating for resources to clean up old technologies!
Cook County tobacco tax will save lives
In November, the Cook County Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance to close a loophole that left many tobacco products untaxed at the county level, including cigars, chewing tobacco and loose tobacco.
Teen use of these non-cigarette tobacco products has been on the rise, and many young people who start using these transition into regular smoking. Studies show that for every 10 percent increase in the cost of cigarettes, teen smoking is reduced by as much as 7 percent, and we expect similar results from the new tax on non-cigarette products. That means we’re stopping more young people from ever starting to smoke!
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Lung Power Team surpasses goal
Our competitive athletes on the Lung Power Team had a very successful season! In all, 30 team members participated in races including the Bank of America Chicago Marathon
and received perks such as free training and a racing singlet. Together, the runners exceeded the team goal and raised more than $37,000 to support our mission.
Hustle gets a new look
Now entering its 15th year, Hustle Up the Hancock has a new logo! Hustle 2012 will be Sunday, February 26, with more than 4,000 climbers taking on the full or half climb up the John Hancock Center.
We are well on our way to meeting our $1.1 million goal and there is still time to climb! Spaces are open for Lung Health Champions and the CBS 2 Half Climb, so register today!
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Download a printer-friendly PDF of our successes.
For more information, contact Julie O'Brien:
Email Julie
(312) 628-0251
