Lung Health Advocates Rally on Capitol Hill to Safeguard Vital Health Programs

On September 10, 2025, the American Lung Association will host its third annual Respiratory Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. This gathering aims to unite patient advocates affected by various lung diseases to share their personal experiences and highlight crucial public health and healthcare initiatives to members of Congress.

The event comes at a time when federal public health agencies face significant staff and funding reductions. This has coincided with various challenges, including persistent smoke from wildfires, the largest measles outbreak in over three decades, and the worst flu season in a decade, all of which disproportionately affect those living with chronic respiratory conditions.

In the United States, over 11.7 million individuals suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), nearly 28 million are affected by asthma—including 4.8 million children—and approximately 100,000 individuals are diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis annually. Additionally, thousands are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension each year. These conditions necessitate consistent access to affordable, quality healthcare, especially as these individuals are more vulnerable to seasonal respiratory illness outbreaks and poor air quality.

Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, expressed concern regarding the unprecedented difficulties faced by over 35 million Americans living with lung disease. “Our Lung Health Champions are bravely sharing their powerful narratives with key decision-makers, advocating for essential therapies and coverage that enable them to lead healthy, active lives.”

During this year's Respiratory Advocacy Day, participants will engage their congressional representatives by urging support for several initiatives. The following priorities are at the forefront of their discussions:

1. Support for the SOAR Act: Advocates will request cosponsorship of the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act, which aims to enhance access to supplemental oxygen through Medicare. Access to portable liquid oxygen—crucial for mobility and an active lifestyle—currently presents significant challenges for beneficiaries under Medicare.

2. Healthcare Tax Credits Extension: Participants will advocate for the continuation of enhanced healthcare tax credits that assist millions in affording their healthcare coverage. These credits are instrumental in making health plans available through the Marketplace by reducing or eliminating premiums based on individuals’ income levels.

3. Protection of CDC Programs: Advocates will call on Congress to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its life-saving public health programs, including the National Asthma Control Program, which has been effective in reducing emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and lost school or work days due to asthma.

In addition to these discussions, attendees of Respiratory Advocacy Day will partake in training sessions that further prepare them for ongoing engagement in advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels through the Lung Association's Lung Action Network.

This initiative complements existing efforts, such as LUNG FORCE Advocacy Day, where advocates successfully campaigned for an additional $500 million in funding for lung cancer research from the National Institutes of Health (a 142% increase).

For more information on how to get involved with Respiratory Advocacy Day, please visit Lung.org/RAD.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is a leading organization dedicated to saving lives by promoting lung health and preventing lung diseases through advocacy, education, and research. Its primary focus is on four key objectives: defeating lung cancer, championing clean air for all, enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by lung disease, and striving for a tobacco-free future. With a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum-Level designation from GuideStar, the organization continues to make strides in public health. Contact them at 1-800-LUNGUSA or visit their website at Lung.org.