Smoking remains the nation's leading preventable cause of death. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined.

The American Lung Association has long funded vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. It is the foremost defender of the Clean Air Act and laws that protect citizens from secondhand smoke. The Lung Association teaches children the dangers of tobacco use and helps teenage and adult smokers overcome addiction. It educates children and adults living with lung diseases on managing their condition. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is 'Improving Life, One Breath at a Time.'

We are funded by contributions from the public, along with gifts and grants from corporations, foundations and government agencies. The American Lung Association achieves its many successes through the work of thousands of committed volunteers and staff.

Our goals include:

• Informing the public about lung disease and its prevention
• Teaching children and adults how to better manage their asthma
• Providing health education and support services to improve the lives of people with lung disease
• Conducting smoking prevention and cessation programs
• Funding research to discover the causes and cures of lung disease
• Supporting public policy for control of indoor and outdoor air pollution
• Serving as an advocate of people affected by lung disease
• Seeking funds from the public to support health education, research and advocacy programs