The lungs are the doorway to life, providing oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide. Since they are in constant contact with both the outside air and the body’s internal environment, the lungs are uniquely vulnerable to disease. Every year, more than 349,000 Americans die of lung disease, making it the third most frequent cause of death in this country. An additional 35 million of us are living with chronic lung diseases such as asthma and emphysema.

The mission of the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health through research, advocacy, and education. The American Lung Association Nationwide Research Program support both the basic and applied sciences related to lung health. Our Asthma Clinical Research Centers Network consists of 20 Centers and a Data Coordinating Center that conduct clinical studies around the country on patients with asthma.

The American lung Association also supports basic and clinical research through training and “seed” grants for beginning investigators, which play a critical role in attracting and retaining talented scientists focused on lung research. And research is the key that will unlock the door to a better tomorrow for all people with lung disease.