National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships
HAP Partnership Impact
American Lung Association Community Events
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the American Lung Association have a shared goal to improve Veterans’ health and well-being through collaborative education and services for Veterans living with lung disease. This partnership improves the lung health and quality of life for Veterans diagnosed with lung disease and offers support to their families and caregivers.
VA diagnoses 7,700 Veterans with lung cancer each year and an estimated 900,000 remain at risk due to age, smoking, and other environmental exposures during and after military service. VA continues to conduct groundbreaking research into lung cancer hazards for Service members such as asbestos and burn bit exposure in addition to other studies, and clinical projects on topics like the risks of e-cigarettes, tuberculosis, and sleep apnea. This partnership adds to the support and resources VA and VHA already offer to Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
Randolph Moler with Veteran Health Administration’s (VHA) National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships (HAP) stated, “The partnership helps Veterans access American Lung Association’s online resources or support groups, including Better Breathers Clubs; gives American Lung Association’s partners and providers a chance to learn more about Veteran-specific issues including suicide prevention; and encourages VA medical centers and regional American Lung Association affiliates to create local partnerships that can bring Veterans awareness and support.”
“The Lung Association and VA national partnership cross-share resources and education relating to respiratory health for Veterans with a goal of helping Veterans feel more supported and less alone. From providing free tobacco cessation resources, highlighting early warning signs to watch for and providing tips to reduce risk of developing lung disease, the success of this partnership continues to grow as new connections are made,” stated, Bev Stewart, National Senior Director of Lung Disease Programs for the American Lung Association.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in America, and active duty miliary have higher smoking rates than the general public. Helping Service members and Veterans quit tobacco for good is a priority for the American Lung Association.
The American Lung Association is hosting Freedom from Smoking events throughout the country this summer and fall. For location and dates of the events see: https://www.lung.org/get-involved/events/all-events .
The American Lung Association also hosts roughly 100 events each year, including 40 Fight For Air Climbs, 28 LUNG FORCE walks and 25 social events. Jill Dale, National Director of Media Relations for the American Lung Association, stated, “These events are designed to bring awareness and raise funds for Veterans and families living with lung disease or are at risk for developing the disease. In the fall, we host LUNG FORCE Walks across the country. In the spring and summer, we host our Fight For Air Climbs in stadiums and towers. Summer is also the time where we host our cycling events and many of our social events like galas.”
For more information on HAP’s initiatives and partnerships, please visit https://www.va.gov/HEALTHPARTNERSHIPS/index.asp
External Link Disclaimer: This page contains links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
Posted September 19, 2022
