The American Lung Association, CVS Health Foundation are partnering to address the health consequences of poor air quality

CVS Health Foundation is investing $3.5 million nationally to fight this health issue and will test it first in Phoenix with a new project with the American Lung Association.

WOONSOCKET, RI, Sept. 12, 2024 – The American Lung Association and CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) Foundation announced today a new, comprehensive initiative to strengthen the efforts of health care providers and organizations nationwide to achieve clean air and improve. health outcomes in their communities. The CVS Health Foundation is investing $3.5 million over four years as part of this initiative to fight this health issue and announced earlier this year that they have allocated nearly $1 million of the total amount of Phoenix, which is among the most polluted cities in the US for ozone. and some pollution.

“Air pollution affects everyone, but certain groups are at greater risk of health risks, including children, the elderly, the poor and those living in unsafe areas, pregnant women , and people with health conditions 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 live in an area with severe air pollution. Unfortunately, people of color are also may be living with chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes We thank and applaud the CVS Health Foundation for their continued commitment to addressing climate change and improving lung health.

In the United States, more than 131 million people live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particulate pollution. Although air pollution has improved across much of the US, climate change-related events, such as wildfires and floods, threaten this progress and contribute to unhealthy air quality. can cause or worsen lung disease. Ozone and particulate pollution can also cause premature death and other serious health effects such as asthma attacks, heart damage and impaired growth and reproduction. Although this is a related topic, a new initiative by the Lung Association and the CVS Health Foundation is designed to target the most vulnerable communities, expand educational resources for health care providers and patients, improve access of care and support services for people with problems. lung disease and using air quality data to identify and warn of polluted areas.

“As we continue to see climate-related events contributing to poor air quality, which is linked to health outcomes, we knew we needed to do more to support that community.” what we stand for,” said Sheryl Burke, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Marketing. Social Responsibility. “By partnering with the American Lung Association and working with local organizations, we are committed to fighting this health issue and making a positive impact for future generations.”

The project will focus on the following areas:

• For health care providers, the organizations will create and distribute resources to help them improve the care of people with lung disease during low-air days. With the health threats of poor air quality increasing as climate change increases, doctors and other health care providers need tools to help their patients.

• For people living with lung disease, this campaign will empower them to take steps that reduce the risk of health problems during days of unhealthy air. The Lung Association will work with people who have lung disease, so they know exactly what to do on days of shortness of breath. This includes making sure they have an asthma or COPD action plan in place, and when to seek medical attention.

• To encourage policies to protect lung health and help develop educational programs, the campaign will raise awareness of local air quality. The Lung Association will distribute air sensors that will provide residents with access to air quality data and the opportunity to learn about potential health impacts in targeted areas. The organization will also work with community members and health professionals to share that information with others to advocate for change.

Addressing the communities with the greatest need, the project will focus this work on specific cities where people bear a disproportionate burden of climate change and air pollution. The pilot program will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, a city facing extreme heat, poor air quality and the increasing effects of climate change. To learn more, visit the American Lung Association.

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Courtney Tavener
401-712-3698
Courtney.Tavener@CVSHealth.com