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Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago is a 501(c)(3) Illinois not-for-profit corporation that has been the local leader for lung health since 1906. The association continues to fight lung disease and promote healthy lungs by supporting research, advocacy and educational efforts on behalf of the one million Chicago-area residents affected by lung cancer, asthma, COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema), and other lung diseases.

How Your Support Helps

Proceeds from Hike For Lung Health benefit our mission -- to promote healthy lungs and fight lung disease through research, advocacy and education. Did you know:

• Lung disease is the nation's number three killer, affecting more than one million people in metropolitan Chicago.

• Lung Cancer kills more women than breast, cervical and ovarian cancer combined.

• Of the five leading causes of death in the US, deaths from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the only one still rising.

• Asthma is the number one cause of missed school days and a leading cause of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for children.

• Diesel soot kills over 750 people a year in Chicagoland, yet commercially available 'particulate traps' could reduce truck and bus exhaust by 90 percent.

• Over 36,000 Illinois teenagers start smoking every year.

For more information about our initiatives, programs, and lung health events, call (312) 243-2000 or visit www.lungchicago.org.

Our History

Founded in 1906, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago began as the Chicago Tuberculosis Society. Our mission at the time focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis as well as coordinating the care of those afflicted by the disease. In the 1950's, we expanded our mission to include all lung diseases, and officially changed our name to the Chicago Lung Association in 1966 and then the American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago in 1993. In July of 2007, our name became the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

Today, RHAMC strives to prevent lung disease and promote lung health through research, advocacy, and education. As a nonprofit organization, RHAMC works diligently to provide regional leadership and funding for community-based health outreach programs. The Association continues to lead educational efforts such as workshops on asthma management, free screenings for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and smoking cessation support groups. Finally, RHAMC has a strong position and voice in regional and statewide initiatives advocating for improving air quality by reducing diesel emissions, and enacting smoke-free ordinances to protect public health.