Back to Breath Matters
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).
February 28, 2003 Number 97
Content:
CLEANER TRANSPORTATION RESOURCE NOTEBOOK ONLINE
The American Lung Association of California's Cleaner Transportation Program recently issued an online resource notebook with materials to help promote cleaner transportation in your community. Materials include a list of approved cleaner vehicles and where to get them, a sample letter and survey for fleet managers, a sample cleaner transportation resolution, a list of cities and counties that have passed resolutions and ordinances, a link to an interactive Web site that provides alternative fuel locations in California, articles about cleaner transportation, and a list of contacts and resources. Materials can be downloaded at http://www.californialung.org/spotlight/cleanfleets.html.
The Cleaner Transportation Program is working to make cleaner-fueled vehicles commercially successful in California by helping governments and businesses establish procurement policies that include cleaner fleets. The program is funded by a generous donation from The Energy Foundation.
For more information, contact Vandana Bali at 310.319.9438 or vbali [at] alac [dot] org.
SECONDHAND SMOKE BILL TO PROTECT PEOPLE IN APARTMENTS
A bill by Assemblyman Joe Nation, (D-San Rafael), would protect people who live in multifamily dwellings from secondhand smoke by making it illegal for people to smoke in apartments and condominiums if their secondhand smoke drifts into their neighbors1 homes. The bill would also prohibit smoking in indoor and outdoor common areas of apartments and condominiums.
The Press Democrat, a daily newspaper in Assemblyman Nation's district, covered the story and quoted Barbara Beedon, executive director for the American Lung Association of California-Redwood Empire Branch. 3If someone has asthma and their symptoms are triggered by secondhand smoke, it can be life-threatening. We have to do what we can to protect them.
For more information, contact Paul Knepprath at 916.442.4446 or pknepprath [at] alac [dot] org
MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM RELAY BENEFITS INLAND COUNTIES
The American Lung Association of the Inland Counties is recruiting mountain bike enthusiasts to ride in the Temecula Mountain Bike Team Relay on April 26 and 27 at Vail Lake Resort to raise money for the association. The ride is organized by Granny Gear Productions, which has specialized in mountain bike events for 20 years.
While the exact course has not been determined, it will be 12 to 14 miles long with a 1,000 to 1,400-foot climb on each lap. The association is recruiting riders to register for the Early Bird Registration by March 14.
For more information, contact Pat Kudell at 909.884.5864 or pat [at] alaic [dot] org.
EAST BAY LAUNCHES ASTHMA PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
Youth asthma in the East Bay has reached epidemic proportions and the American Lung Association of the East Bay has launched a public awareness campaign to help reduce hospitalizations by urging people who may have asthma to seek care. Alameda County has the second highest rate of asthma hospitalization among children in the state, and West Oakland's rate of hospitalized patients under age 15 is seven times the state average.
The association is running a series of informational advertisements on television, radio and billboards encouraging people to call 1.800.LUNG.USA if they have asthma symptoms or need more information.
The initial campaign targets parents and older adults through three commercials appearing on nine cable networks, one radio station and 10 billboards. The campaign will run in the areas with the greatest asthma burden, including Richmond, Berkeley, Oakland and surrounding communities.
For more information, contact Paul Fletcher at 925.935.0473 or pfletcher [at] alaebay [dot] org.
SACRAMENTO RAISES FUNDS IN HONOR OF CENTENNIAL
In an effort to raise funds for local programs, the American Lung Association of Sacramento-Emigrant Trails has established the Centennial Sponsorship Program. The program evolves from the 100th year anniversary celebration of the American Lung Association. To date, two local businesses have joined with a minimum donation of $25,000: Pacific Coast Building Products and Kaiser Permanente.
The sponsorship allows businesses and individuals to support all of the association's programs instead of supporting one special event. In return, Centennial Sponsors receive honorary recognition on all of the association's promotional items, advertisements, special event materials and the Web site. A local celebration will also take place honoring the 100th year anniversary.
For more information, contact Stacey Long at 916.444.5864 or slong [at] saclung [dot] org.
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://www.californialung.org and click on the Line 61 icon.
Back to Breath Matters
