/24-7PressRelease/ - NEW YORK, NY, September 10, 2005 - - The American Lung Association is increasing its online and Help Line resources and staff to offer information and support to people affected by Hurricane Katrina.
"Even now, our mission of fighting lung disease and promoting lung health is essential. Asthma affects more children who have been displaced than any other chronic disease, as it does children nationwide. Thousands of hurricane victims live with COPD, and their struggles are made worse by this disaster," said John L. Kirkwood, President and CEO, American Lung Association.
"All of the victims may face, in the not-too-distant future, the threat of influenza or respiratory infections. When the waters recede and people return, there is the serious risk from bacteria and mold in the buildings that remain," he said.
The American Lung Association's Lung Help Line will increase experts in lung health to respond to increased phone traffic. People looking for information specific to breathing problems, flu vaccines or indoor air quality should call 1-800-LUNG-USA or http://www.lungusa.org
In addition, the American Lung Association is offering its donors an online outlet to assist the victims of the hurricane. "We were pleased to receive unsolicited donations restricted for hurricane relief and we pledge to our supporters that their donations will be directed as they wish," said Kirkwood.
Among the American Lung Association staff, Kirkwood today announced the American Lung Association Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund with a goal of raising $100,000. Additionally a Lung Action Team will be formed through staff and volunteers to provide on-the-ground support to Lung Associations in the hurricane-torn region. "We will combine our contributions with those received from the public and commit them directly to the work of preventing lung disease and promoting lung health by funding local Lung Associations where this work is and will be done -- Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and other Lung Associations currently caring for victims," said Kirkwood in an internal memo to staff and executive volunteers.
About The American Lung Association
Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is "Improving life, one breath at a time." For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to http://www.lungusa.org
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