CHICAGO, Sept. 11, 2024
CVS Health Foundation is investing $3.5 million nationwide to combat this health issue and will pilot it first in Phoenix through a new project with American Lung Association
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CHICAGO, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Lung Association and the CVS Health Foundation announced today a new, comprehensive project to significantly bolster the efforts of health care providers and organizations nationwide to achieve cleaner air and improve health outcomes in their communities. The CVS Health Foundation is investing $3.5 million over four years as part of this project to combat this health issue and announced earlier this year they distributed nearly $1 million of the total funding in Phoenix, which ranks among the most polluted cities in the U.S. for ozone and particulate pollution.
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"Air pollution impacts everyone, but certain groups are at a higher risk of health harms, including children, older adults, people experiencing poverty and living in underserved communities, individuals who are pregnant, and people with an underlying health condition like lung disease," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "According to our recent 'State of the Air' report, people of color are more than twice as likely to be living in an area with unhealthy levels of air pollution. Unfortunately, people of color are also more likely to be living with underlying chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. We thank and applaud the CVS Health Foundation for their ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and improving lung health."
In the U.S., more than 131 million people live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution levels. While air pollution has improved across much of the U.S., climate change-related events, like wildfires and flooding, threaten this progress and contributes to unhealthy air quality that may cause or worsen lung disease. Ozone and particle pollution can also cause premature death and other serious health effects such as asthma attacks, cardiovascular damage, and developmental and reproductive harm. While this is a concerning issue, the new project with Lung Association and the CVS Health Foundation is designed to target the most at-risk communities first, expanding educational resources for health care providers and patients, enhancing access to care and supportive services for individuals with lung disease and using air quality data to identify and raise awareness of pollution hotspots.
"As we continue to see climate related events contribute to poor air quality, which is tied to health outcomes, we knew we needed to do more to support the communities we serve," said Sheryl Burke, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility. "By teaming up with the American Lung Association and working with local organizations, we aim to combat this health issue and make a meaningful impact for future generations."
The project will focus on the following areas:
To address communities with the greatest need, the project will target this work in specific cities where people bear a disproportionate burden from climate change and air pollution. The pilot program will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, a city that faces extreme heat, poor air quality and growing impacts from climate change. Learn more at about the project here.
About the American Lung AssociationThe American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.
This year, the American Lung Association is celebrating 120 years! Join us in our journey to champion lung health and help us celebrate 120 Years of Impact. Donate today at Lung.org/donate.
American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 606011331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1425 North • Washington, D.C. 200041-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org
CONTACT:
Jill DaleP: 312-940-7001
American Lung AssociationE: [email protected]
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SOURCE American Lung Association
