Dedicated to Community Lung Health Since 1906

The mission of Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago is to promote healthy lungs and fight lung disease through research, advocacy and education. To that end and through community-based interventions, Respiratory Health Association serves an estimated 1 million Cook County residents living with asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and other lung diseases.

Respiratory Health Association was founded more than a century ago in 1906. In an effort to control the spread of the nation's leading killer at the time, Dr. Theodore Sachs and nurse Harriet Fulmer formed the Chicago Tuberculosis Institute.

Over the years, the organization has grown deep roots in the community. Today, Respiratory Health Association has branched out to address all lung diseases and offer services throughout metropolitan Chicago and across the state. Through the years, the organization has championed various initiatives and carried several different names, but has always maintained its commitment to community lung health.