The American Lung Association of Hawaii (ALAH) strives to reach this goal by delivering customer-driven quality programs to fight lung disease, developing the financial base to support these activities, and engaging the commitment of our board, staff, volunteers and customers. The heart of the American Lung Association of Hawaii's mission is to help people with lung disease and breathing problems, and to raise the awareness of individuals on how to prevent lung disease and how to deal with a lung disease on a daily basis. Education and advocacy programs include areas such as tobacco control, asthma and air quality. Research programs, supported by the American Lung Association of Hawaii, help to develop new ways to reduce suffering from lung disease for individuals and the general public. In partnership with local schools, ALAH provides asthma education for children and their families through programs such as Open Airways for Schools. ALAH also worked with schools statewide to help students avoid or reduce addiction to tobacco products. More than a thousand young people were reached last year through our Tobacco Control Programs. N-O-T, an early intervention program designed to help youths smoking regularly reduce tobacco use or quit altogether and Freedom From Smoking, an online program that offers solutions to quit smoking, are a couple of the ALAH's smoking cessation programs. ALAH also works with the Hawaii Department of Health on tuberculosis control projects and provides information and support on other lung disease, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) and influenza. ALAH's Community Partnership Program identifies the specific needs of the local community. By partnering with businesses, agencies and grass root initiatives, the American Lung Association of Hawaii pools resources and develops programs and services to meet the needs of community members.

                                                                        Our Story

We are the American Lung Association of Hawaii, an organization dedicated to every breath you take. Lung disease has become the third leading cause of death and unfortunately is continuing to grow faster than any other leading killer. For nearly a century, our mission has been preventing lung disease and promoting lung health through research, education, and defending your right to breathe.   Our messages are four: 1. No search for a cure should go unfunded 2. No child or adult should die from asthma 3. No child or adult should be exposed or addicted to tobacco products 4. No community should be exposed to unhealthy air We continue to be committed to our purpose because, “When you can’t breathe, nothing else matters.” Breathing less is not an option. We need you to be a part of the cure.

The History The American Lung Association of Hawaii (ALAH), a private 501(c) (3) non-profit organization founded on Kauai in 1929, is the oldest voluntary health organization in Hawaii.  The organization’s mission is to prevent lung disease and to promote lung health through research, education, and advocacy. Headquartered on Oahu, the ALAH is a “grass roots” organization led by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of local community leaders.  The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall direction and governance of the Association. The full board meets every two months and maintains oversight through active committees and task forces working in areas such as finance, programs and services, community partnerships and fundraising.  The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for implementing the program priorities of the Association which are asthma management, tobacco control, and air quality.