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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).
December 23, 2003 Number 107
Content:
CENTER SITE TRACKS LEGISLATORS' ACCEPTANCE OF TOBACCO MONEY
The Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing recently updated its Web site to include a tracking system so Californians can find out how much tobacco money their local legislators have accepted. Site visitors simply need to type in their zip codes and hit "show me the $."
The Web site also includes legislative updates, past issues of center newsletters, tools for community organizing, and links to other tobacco control resources. Check it out at http://www.californialung.org/thecenter/.
For more information, contact Brian Peterson at 530.897.4140 or brian [at] chico [dot] com
CTS-APPROVED INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO FOR CHILD DAYCARE PROVIDERS RELEASED BY STATE
The California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) recently released an instructional video to help teach child daycare providers the proper use of inhalers and nebulizers, devises that dispense asthma medications. The video is based on curriculum developed by the California Thoracic Society (CTS).
EMSA is the state agency responsible for ensuring that child daycare workers are properly trained in first aid and CPR. A section on nebulizers and inhalers was added after legislation was passed in 1998 requiring child daycare providers to know how to use the devices so that children with asthma can get the help they need. The American Lung Association of California and the California Thoracic Society sponsored Senate Bill 1663.
For more information, contact Laura Keegan, MPH, at 510.638.5864 or lkeegan [at] alac [dot] org.
NEW LIST OF CLEANER-FUELED VEHICLES INCLUDED IN WEB UPDATE
The most current list of cleaner-fueled vehicles is now available on the American Lung Association of California¹s Clean Vehicles Program Web page. The newly updated site features information about cleaner-fueled vehicles that are available today, as well as tools for policymakers and fleet managers, including sample resolutions and procurement policies.
Also new on the site are Frequently Asked Questions about hybrid-electric vehicles and natural gas vehicles. They cover common questions about the technologies and about owning and operating these types of vehicles.
For more information, visit http://www.californialung.org/spotlight/vehicles.html or contact Vandana Bali at 415.775.1065 or vbali [at] alac [dot] org.
CONFERENCE EXAMINES CURRENT CONTROVERSIES IN PULMONARY CARE
The upcoming California Thoracic Society 2004 Annual Scientific Conference scheduled for January 29-31 in Carmel will focus on Current Controversies in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine.
The course is geared toward pulmonary and critical care providers and examines important issues including the use of Spiral CT in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Disease, Lung Volume Reduction Surgery, and Methods for Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism. The program includes free admission to the 2004 Western Regional Tri-Society meetings and continuing education units are available.
For more information, visit www.thoracic.org/ca.html or contact Colleen Richardson at 714.730.1944 or cts [at] aol [dot] com.
SUPERIOR LAUNCHES SMOKE-FREE HOUSING WEB SITE
The American Lung Association of California, Superior Branch, launched a Web site that provides information about smoke-free housing in Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Shasta, Tehama, and Yuba counties. The site provides information about secondhand smoke and serves as a free resource for renters looking for smoke-free housing and property owners wanting to list their smoke-free housing opportunities.
In addition to the comprehensive list of smoke-free properties, the site contains information on creating smoke-free policies and provides sample language for developing and implementing effective policies.
For more information, visit www.smokefreehousing.org or contact DeAnne Blankenship 530.897.4140 or deanne [at] alacsb [dot] org.
NATIONAL ASTHMA EDUCATOR COURSE HELD IN SAN DIEGO
The American Lung Association will hold a preparatory course for the National Asthma Educator Certification Board Examination on January 22 and 23 at the University of San Diego's Manchester Executive Conference Center. The Asthma Educator Course is designed for healthcare professionals who provide asthma education to people with asthma. It has been approved for continuing education credits through the California Thoracic Society and the San Diego Pharmacists Association.
Registration is due December 29. The course is sponsored by the California Thoracic Society in collaboration with the American Lung Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties and the San Diego Regional Asthma Coalition.
For general information about the national Asthma Educator program, visit http://www.lungusa.org/asthma/aei.html. For specific information about the course in San Diego, visit http://www.lungusa.org/asthma/aei_course.html#four.
For more information and a downloadable application form, visit http://www.lungsandiego.org or contact Erin Touslee at 619.297.3901 or erint [at] lungsandiego [dot] org.
FUND DEVELOPMENT MARKETING CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON RESEARCH FUND
The American Lung Association of California recently launched its Fund Development Marketing Campaign, which will focus on promoting the Asthma and Lung Disease Research Fund on the 2003 California state income tax form. Also included in the campaign are vehicle donation ads in Pennysaver, a mailing to tax attorneys and financial planners, and an ad in AARP Magazine.
The Asthma and Lung Disease Research Fund is a major focus because if it doesn¹t raise the minimum $250,000, the fund will be dropped from the tax form. The fund was about $20,000 short of the goal for the 2002 tax year. This year is the last chance to raise the required minimum.
The campaign will swing into high gear in January. A kit of materials to help promote the campaign will be distributed to local associations by January 1. Inserts with information about the fund have been shipped to every association. They are the size of a number 10 envelope and can easily be included in every mailing and distributed through local asthma coalitions and events.
This is a critical year for the Asthma and Lung Disease Research Fund, so all volunteers and staff are encouraged to help promote the campaign. Banner ads and other materials will be posted on the American Lung Association of California¹s Web site for all those interested in promoting the fund and inserts can be provided to anyone who has a way to distribute them.
For more information or to request inserts, contact Caitlin Kerk at 408.972.5781 or caitlin [at] kerkcommunications [dot] com.
TELL A FRIEND Forward this e-newsletter to friends, family and business contacts. Encourage them to subscribe for free at http://www.californialung.org. Signing up is easy. Just enter your e-mail address at the upper left corner of the Web site homepage below the logo.
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