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Breath Matters
The American Lung Association of California’s Monthly e-Newsletter
Improving Life, One Breath at a Time
To automatically connect with your nearest American Lung Association, or to speak with a nurse or respiratory therapist at our free HelpLine, call 800.LUNG.USA (800.586.4872).
March 31, 2003 Number 98
Content:
LINE 61 ON YOUR STATE INCOME TAX RETURN
ELECTRIC CAR OWNERS URGE STATE TO PROTECT ZEV PROGRAM
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) did not take a final position on proposed changes to the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) program, which would weaken the program by cutting the required number of ZEVs in half. However, after nine hours of testimony, which included a statement by Bonnie Holmes-Gen urging CARB not to weaken the program, it did direct staff to bring back a stronger proposal with specific goals for ZEV production in 2009 and beyond.
Individual CARB members expressed their desire to continue with a strong ZEV program and to promote a range of ZEV and near-ZEV technologies, including electric, fuel cell and hybrid-electric vehicles during the two-day hearing on March 27 and 28.
Electric car owners and clean air advocates, including several celebrities, held a news conference on March 9 in West Los Angeles in support of a strong ZEV program. Denny Zane, American Lung Association of California volunteer and e-advocate, spoke at the news conference, along with celebrities including Ed Begley Jr., Tony Shalhoub, Hart Bochner, Steven Weber, and Laurie David, wife of Larry David. Electric vehicle owners formed the letters Z-E-V and camera crews were allowed access to the eighth floor of the Federal Building so they could film it. The news conference was covered on four television stations, including the three major networks.
For more information, contact Bonnie Holmes-Gen at 916.442.4446 or bhgen [at] alac [dot] org.
ASSOCIATION FEATURED IN CALIFORNIA HEALTH JOURNAL
The inaugural issue of Californian Journal of Health Promotion features an article by California Thoracic Society member Chris Garvey, RN, MSN, about the certification program for asthma educators. The article mentions the American Lung Association and the Asthma and Lung Disease Research Fund on the state income tax form. It provides the American Lung Association of California’s Web site address for more information about the research fund.
CJHP is an official journal of the Department of Health and Community Services, California State University, Chico. It is a scholarly, peer-reviewed, online journal focusing on health education and promotion, teaching, and research. You can view it at http://www.csuchico.edu/cjhp/1/1/index.htm.
For more information, contact Laura Keegan, MPH, at 510.638.5864 or lkeegan [at] alac [dot] org.
FUNDING NEEDED TO PREVENT TUBERCULOSIS RESURGENCE
As public health advocates worldwide celebrated World TB Day on March 24, the American Lung Association of California called on state officials to avert a resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) by increasing funding for TB control and prevention. While TB cases declined slightly last year, California continues to report the highest number of TB cases in the country.
The statewide theme for this year’s World TB Day was "TB or Not TB," emphasizing the fact that TB is curable and preventable and can be eliminated with proper funding. TB had almost been eliminated in this country until funding was cut when it was perceived the threat was over, which led to a serious TB resurgence in the early 1990s. After funding was restored, TB cases began to steadily decline.
State funding for TB control and prevention is now in jeopardy, which could lead to another resurgence.
The American Lung Association of San Diego held a conference about TB and HIV on March 24 in conjunction with the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency Tuberculosis Control Program. The free workshop was co-sponsored by the California Thoracic Society and continuing education credits were available.
For more information about TB, visit http://californialung.org/press/030324tb_data.html or contact Laura Keegan, MPH, at 510.638.5864 or lkeegan [at] alac [dot] org.
REDWOOD CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH TOWN HALL MEETING
The American Lung Association of California-Redwood Empire Branch is celebrating its 50-year anniversary with a town hall meeting to raise awareness about clean air and other lung health issues. "Clearing the Air: A Town Hall Meeting for Everyone Who Wants to Breathe Clean Air" is scheduled for April 23 in Petaluma.
The meeting is designed to encourage attendees to advocate for lung health issues by joining the e-Advocacy Network. Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey will present the keynote address titled "Is the Clean Air Act Still Breathing?" A video about the Children’s Health Study will also be presented.
For more information, contact Jenny Bard at 707.527.5864 or jbard [at] alac [dot] org.
LUNG ASSOCIATION WORKS TO CLEAN UP CENTRAL VALLEY AIR
The San Joaquin Valley has some of the worst air quality in the nation, which has become a major legislative issue this session. Senator Florez has introduced a package of bills (SB 700 - SB 709) aimed at cleaning up the air in the Central Valley.
The centerpiece is SB 700, which would for the first time require air quality permits for agricultural operations that emit air pollution. Currently they are exempt under California law. Other components would put an end to agricultural burning, toughen smog check laws, and provide new incentives for reducing diesel emissions from agricultural equipment.
The American Lung Association of Central California has been working hard to raise awareness about the air pollution problem in the Central Valley. The association is cosponsoring a Clean Air Summit on April 23, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Fresno Convention Center. It is working with other groups to develop a five-year voluntary plan to reduce air pollution in the region.
For more information, contact Bonnie Holmes-Gen at 916.442.4446 or bhgen [at] alac [dot] org, or Chuck Sant’Agata at 559.222.4800 or chucks [at] amerilungcencal [dot] org.
SACRAMENTO RAISES AWARENESS ABOUT IMMUNIZATIONS
The American Lung Association of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails will be collaborating efforts with the local Shots for Tots Regional Coalition on April 16 in West Sacramento for the "Stop the Cough: Immunizations Protect Little Lungs" media event during National Infant Immunization Week.
The goal is to raise awareness about timely immunizations for infants and toddlers to help prevent unnecessary suffering and the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses such as the flu and whooping cough.
Approximately 100 children from local pre-schools will join Izzy the Immunization Bear in various activities to learn how to keep lungs healthy.
For more information, contact Stacey Long at 916.444.5864 or slong [at] saclung [dot] org. For details about other local immunization activities, contact Laura Keegan, MPH, at 510.638.5864 or lkeegan [at] alac [dot] org.
BREATH RECOGNIZES SMOKE-FREE BARS WITH LUNG AWARDS
BREATH, the California Smoke-Free Bars, Workplaces and Communities Program, a statewide project of the American Lung Association of the East Bay, is recognizing cities and counties with high smoke-free bar compliance rates with Golden and Platinum Lung Awards. The awards are in celebration of the fifth anniversary of smoke-free bars in California and are being distributed across the state now through June.
The award presentations are giving advocates the opportunity to recognize local leaders. Lapel pins are being issued to individuals who have been key in making smoke-free bars a reality in their cities and counties.
For more information, contact Dian Kiser at 916.739.8925, ext. 2, or breath [at] jps [dot] net.
CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON HEALTH EDUCATION AND PROMOTION
The National Conference on Health Education and Health Promotion is scheduled for May 21 to 23 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina in San Diego. The American Lung Association of California is a supporting organization of the event, which is sponsored by the Association of State and Territorial Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education and the Centers for Disease Control.
Public health must have a new vision for effectiveness in this changing world. This conference is geared toward a wide variety of professionals in health-related careers including: health educators, nurses, physicians, program directors, health consultants, nutritionists, health promotion researchers, academic faculty, health and human services personnel, and Congressional Representatives.
For conference details and online registration, visit http://www.astdhpphe.org/21national.asp
For more information, contact Laura Keegan, MPH, at 510.638.5864 or lkeegan [at] alac [dot] org.
BI-ANNUAL TB CONFERENCE ADDRESSES NEW TOOLS
New advances in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis (TB) will be presented at the upcoming Bi-Annual Conference titled "TB: Old Pathogen, New Tools." It is scheduled for April 24 and 25 at the Oakland Airport Hilton.
California Thoracic Society President Charles Daley, MD, will provide an in-depth look at the new national treatment guidelines, along with co-author Richard O’Brien, MD. It provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to get their questions answered about the new guideline.
The conference is cosponsored by the American Lung Association of California, California Tuberculosis Controllers Association, and California Department of Health Services. It includes a joint program with the Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center on April 23 titled "Tuberculosis Update." Continuing education credits are available for both.
For more information about the Bi-Annual Conference, visit http://www.ctca.org/confinfo.htm. For more information about Tuberculosis Update, contact James Sederberg at jsederberg [at] nationaltbcenter [dot] edu.
YOUR DIRECT LINE TO FUND LUNG RESEARCH:
LINE 61 ON YOUR STATE INCOME TAX RETURN
You can donate to the Asthma and Lung Disease Research Fund on Line 61 of your 2002 state income tax form. Just write in the amount you want to donate on Line 61 and add it to your tax payment or deduct it from your refund. It’s that simple. The fund supports the American Lung Association of California’s peer-reviewed research program. For more information, a banner ad you can post on your Web site, and drop-in ad slicks, visit http://californialung.org/research/fund.html.
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