Associations In Action -- News from Around the State

Breathe Easy news magazine, Fall 2002/Winter 2003

Santa Clara-San Benito Honored for Diversity Efforts

The American Lung Association of Santa Clara-San Benito Counties was recognized for its use of diversity outreach strategies as a tool in the fight against lung disease when it received the Bernard Gregory Award for Cultural Diversity at the nationwide American Lung Association’s 2002 Annual Conference in Atlanta recently.

The association was awarded for its extensive work in the African American, Asian, and Hispanic communities. Its Project Unity offers a variety of programs in conjunction with the African American Community Service Agency and other African American organizations. The association is working closely with the Asian Consortium on several projects, including a recent grant, multicultural events, physician trainings and asthma screenings. The association also translated the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® program into Spanish.

Central California Works to Reduce Air Pollution

The American Lung Association of Central California has launched a number of initiatives to help reduce air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley and will continue to urge its local Air District and Environmental Protection Agency to speed up the timetable for bringing the valley into clean air compliance.

Under the American Lung Association of California’s Clean Fleets grant, Clovis joined the growing list of valley cities that passed a zero-emission resolution or ordinance. Other cities have been contacted to join the list.

Mayors of valley cities recently passed a resolution committing their cities to adopting clean air practices at their annual mayor’s conference in Fresno.

Sacramento-Emigrant Trails Wins Local Awards

The American Lung Association of Sacramento- Emigrant Trails was recently honored at A Night of Champions, the State Sponsored Programs Community Appreciation Evening sponsored by Blue Cross of California. As recipients of the 2001 Community Support Grant, the association created a pilot project for the Asthma Tool Kit, consisting of "Your Asthma Book" and "Asthma Self-Care Plan." The booklets have become a success and continue to be widely used and requested throughout the state.

The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors also recognized the association during Public Health Week for its efforts to improve air quality and eliminate lung disease, as well as for its continued focus on lung disease prevention, children’s programs, tobacco control, asthma and clean air education and advocacy.

Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Educates Leaders

The American Lung Association of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties is involved in an important project to educate key community leaders and elected officials about tobacco policy issues. The association plans to issue a Report Card on current tobacco control policies in Ventura County.

The project provides policymakers with the technical support to draft new ordinances for their communities. With help from the Tobacco Assistance Legal Center (TALC) and the American Lung Association of California’s Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing, the association is working to provide updated information to local government officials.

Former Smokers Support San Francisco Bike Ride

The American Lung Association of San Francisco & San Mateo Counties held their 11th annual Bike for Breath ride on July 13, netting more than $40,000 and providing an opportunity for 900 riders to show their support. Mike Doyle, riding in honor of his wife’s grandmother who died from emphysema, raised $2,000, half of that from his patients in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at a local hospital. Many of the patients are former smokers who felt it was a way for them to give back to the American Lung Association.

"If they give their money to only one charity, they want it to make a difference," Doyle says.

DEY Raises $50,000 for Redwood Empire

DEY, L.P., a Napa-based manufacturer of respiratory medications, pulled out the stops in raising money and awareness for the inaugural Blow the Whistle on Asthma Walk of the American Lung Association of California—Redwood Empire Branch. The company donated $10,000 as Presenting Sponsor. In addition, as of press time, 18 team captains within the 1,000-employee company had raised $18,000 with three weeks to go. If the teams raised $15,000, DEY promised an additional $5,000. DEY is also doing a company match of any employee contributions.

DEY employees helped get the message out about the asthma epidemic to their families, neighbors and friends.

"DEY is very proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Asthma Walk," says Charles Rice, president and corporate recruitment chairman of the event.

More than 120 participants were expected to walk on the DEY team. The event was held Sunday, September 29, at Spring Lake Park in Santa Rosa.