For Immediate Release
February 1, 2006
Local Lung Associations Become Breathe California
Five affiliates forming new organization to improve community-based lung programs
(San Jose, Calif.) – This morning, the American Lung Association of Santa Clara-San Benito Counties announced they are ending their affiliation with the national organization and forming a new agency, Breathe California, to better serve the lung health needs of their respective communities. The Breathe California statewide organization will also include former lung affiliates of San Francisco-San Mateo, the Central Coast, Los Angeles and Sacramento-Emigrant Trails.
“We strongly feel the key to fighting lung disease and protecting lung health takes place through grassroots work in the community,” said Margo Sidener, Executive Director of the American Lung Association of Santa Clara-San Benito Counties. “As Breathe California, we will be able to focus all of our efforts, resources and expertise on improving the quality of life enjoyed by our local residents.”
In the Santa Clara County, more than 200,000 people suffer from a form of lung disease such as asthma and emphysema. Since 1911, the local affiliate has fought lung disease by advocating for prevention, education, clean air and patient services. While the name and affiliation are changing, Breathe California remains dedicated and committed to providing, and expanding, services upon which constituents depend.
Breathe California also announced its plans to improve local service to the community. The agency will be extending its efforts to bring many of its nationally recognized programs to many underserved populations in the area, including high-risk youth and seniors. The organization will also be working to develop more culturally competent resources for local ethnic communities. As part of this effort, the agency looks forward to building on its many successfully partnerships with local community-based organizations and upholding its tradition of initiating ground-breaking change in the Bay Area.
“By becoming Breathe California, we can redouble our efforts to develop innovative local programs,” continued Sidener. “Because all funding will now remain local, Breathe California will have the unique ability to rapidly respond to local lung health needs in our communities.”
The Breathe California network of five affiliates will also collaborate on statewide issues. Because they have historically offered some of the newest and most effective health programs in the state and nation, Santa Clara and San Benito Counties can continue to expect a high level of service from the new non-profit organization.
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Contact: David Low
(408) 998-5865
david@lungsrus.org