American Lung Association

About the American Lung Association®
The American Lung Association works to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung diseases and breathing problems are the leading causes of infant deaths in the United States today, and asthma is the leading serious chronic childhood illness. 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. As the foremost defender of clean air, the American Lung Association strives to mitigate the ill effects of poor air quality to protect those with asthma, emphysema, lung cancer and other chronic lung disease. The Omaha Corporate Cup raises funds and awareness to support education, research and advocacy programs so everyone can breathe easier. Participants attend the Corporate Cup to support issues critical to family health - improving air quality, eliminating lung disease, and keeping kids tobacco free.

Air pollution is the top environmental concern of Americans.

More than 35 million Americans are living with chronic lung disease.
Lung cancer kills more women than breast cancer, ovarian, and cervical cancer combined.
Lung disease is America's #3 killer and is increasing at a faster pace than heart disease and cancer.
Occupational lung disease is the number one work-related illness.

Proceeds from the Omaha Corporate Cup support the work of the American Lung Association in Nebraska to prevent lung disease and promote lung health through research, education and advocacy.

Our Work in Nebraska

Advocacy
The American Lung Association is the lead agency in the Omaha Asthma Alliance which has worked successfully to reduce the number of asthma related deaths from 41 in 1998 to 21 in 2004. This includes working for legislation that allows kids to carry their inhalers in school. The ALA is a leader in the fight for clean indoor air through Smoke-free Omaha to protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke. We helped reduce the number of smokers in Nebraska from 50% in 1960 to 22% in 2005. In 1992 a cigarette vending machine bill was signed into law because the American Lung Association authored a bill and began the movement to remove cigarette vending machines from areas accessible to youth.

Research
We fund researchers in Nebraska and nationwide to unlock the mysteries of lung diseases to find better treatments and a cure. Priority is given to investigation of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and youth smoking. The American Lung Association is the greatest single resource in the community for information and education about lung disease. In response to the rising rate of death and hospitalizations due to asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), we address the environmental causes of lung disease, such as mold and pollution.

Our education programs teach how to manage lung disease to increase quality of life for all ages, especially children. To combat the increase in children addicted to cigarettes, we start by talking with pre-school children. Over 2 million smokers have quit for good with the gold standard in smoking cessation - Freedom from Smoking. The American Lung Association works through schools, residential summer camps, community and worksite classes, a multi-lingual help line and continuing education for medical professionals. We are dedicated to reducing deaths and hospitalizations by creating partnerships with key stakeholders such as parents, day care providers, school nurses, physical education teachers, coaches, physicians, respiratory therapists, and delivering proven programs.