American Lung Association of Georgia

Target demographics: defeat lung cancer, improve the air we breathe, reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families, eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases

Direct beneficiaries per year: over 8,000 people served in Georgia

Geographic areas served: Georgia

Programs: Asthma Education: • Asthma is the leading serious chronic illness among children nationally and causes more absenteeism than any other chronic disease, approximately 14 million days annually. Asthma affects an estimated seven million American children and Georgia’s rate of asthma cases in children is one of the highest in the nation, affecting about 9 percent of children under the age of 18. More than 200,000 children age 18 and younger in Georgia have asthma. Serious asthma attacks are frightening and can result in death. Our asthma education programs for youth and adults have proven to reduce hospitalization as asthmatics and caregivers learn to manage the disease and reduce or eliminate asthma episodes. • One of our largest programs we offer is a week long camp for asthmatic children, ages seven to thirteen called Camp Breathe Easy. Camp Breathe Easy teaches attendees how to control their asthma to prevent unnecessary emergency room visits and school absenteeism. The cost for one child camper is approximately $637; all of our campers are stipend. More than 90 percent of campers receive a full or partial campership. The goal of Camp is to increase knowledge in children of asthma triggers and symptoms, using a peak flow meter and spacer, and the importance of taking their medications correctly. • The American Lung Association partnered with DeKalb and Fulton County Schools to provide the Lung Association’s Open Airways for Schools (OAS) to over 100 asthmatic students. OAS educates and empowers children through a fun and interactive approach to asthma self-management, which helps students lead the healthiest and most active lives possible, including the ability to attend school regularly. We are launching an Asthma Friendly Award this school year and continue to work with schools to provide asthma education. Lung Disease: #3 killer in the United States • Our educational materials and Better Breathers Clubs (BBC) give patients and their caregivers tools to take control of their lung disease and to better handle the tasks of daily life. BBC teaches patients ways to better cope with COPD and other lung diseases while getting the support of others who share in their struggles. Currently, the ALA in Georgia has 6 BBC in the Atlanta area, reaching nearly 100 patients and caregivers. • Our Freedom From Smoking® (FFS) programs are the gold standard for those who want to quit smoking. In 2014, 19 clinics were implemented to help 115 smokers to take the necessary steps to quit smoking. • Our Lung HelpLine connects thousands of callers directly to a registered nurse or respiratory therapist who will discuss a diagnosis, explain a procedure, offer assistance with understanding medications, and offer smoking cessation counseling. Lung Cancer: #1 cancer killer of women • On average, less than half of all women diagnosed with lung cancer will be alive one year after their diagnosis. Despite this, only 1 percent of women cite lung cancer as a women’s cancer that is top-of-mind for them. This has to change. Women need to know that anyone can get lung cancer. • LUNG FORCE is a new movement to rally women to raise their voices and make lung cancer a public health priority. Through LUNG FORCE, we will make lung cancer a cause people care about, drive policy change and increase research funding. And ultimately, save women’s lives. Advocacy: • Our annual State of the Air report is a national benchmark for air quality that spurs communities across the country to take action against pollution. • We push for the adoption of comprehensive laws prohibiting smoking in workplaces, restaurants, and bars. • We release the State of Tobacco Control report annually, providing an authoritative scorecard on the ongoing fight against tobacco.