April 21 and 22, 2010 

Join lung health advocates from around the country for the third annual United for Lung Health - Federal Advocacy Day 2010 in Washington DC from April 21 to 22, 2010!

Lung Health Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill connects advocates for lung health with the lawmakers who can enact change. Advocates come from across the country to share their perspectives, and the collective voices make a difference in the lives of people living with lung disease.

Goals for this year

This spring, we will advocate for increases in lung health funding, improvements in prevention programming and improved access to care. As we develop the advocacy agenda, we will be discussing the following legislation:

• Development of a National COPD Program
• Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act
• Family Asthma Act
• Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
• Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act

In addition to policy changes, we will focus on lung health initiatives including:

• asthma management
• tobacco prevention and cessation
• clean air initiatives
• funding for lung cancer research
• tuberculosis control and
• proper treatment and care for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

We need input and suggestions for advocacy discussion and goals from all of our partners about policies impacting lung health, air quality and research.

Past successes

The stimulus program passed by congress in 2009 included an $8 billion investment to the National Institutes for Health to fund the advancement of scientific research. By seeking new funding, we offer hope for improved treatment and more successful outcomes.

Tobacco control efforts have benefited from an increase in the tobacco tax as well as the passage of historic legislation that grants the FDA authority over tobacco products.

The Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act (S 332 and HR 2112) continues to gain legislative sponsors. Since last year's event, seven senators and 28 new members of congress have signed on as cosponsors.