With a history of over 100 years, today the American Lung Association in New Mexico (ALANM) offers practical help and education to people living with asthma, COPD, lung cancer and other lung diseases.
The many New Mexicans affected by lung disease keep us committed to our mission. At-risk groups include 31,135 children with pediatric asthma, 115,578 adults with asthma, 51,470 adults with chronic bronchitis and 22,625 adults with emphysema. They require our support, along with the research we fund for new treatments and cures.
Because prevention is a vital part of our work, we educate kids about the dangers of smoking, advocate for smoke-free environments, and work to reduce air pollution. Here’s a brief overview of our work:
Lung Disease Resources
Asthma:
· Open Airways for Schools: We contract with Albuquerque Public Schools and the New Mexico Department of Health to provide a school-based asthma education program, Open Airways for Schools. Children with asthma learn how to recognize the warning signs and triggers preceding an attack, as well as how to take their medications correctly. Asthma education is not only essential for children and their families, but also for school personnel, including nurses, teachers and coaches, who often are the ones providing immediate care during the school day. Contact Natalie Pena, Health Promotions Manager [email protected]
· Enhancing Care for Children with Asthma: Jointly sponsored program with Health Care Service Corporation, Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Regional Operating Division. This is a clinic-based quality improvement project with community outreach projects in the clinic’s community. Has served 20 clinics over four years. Contact Kathleen Moseley, Regional Project Director, [email protected]
· Asthma Basics: a free one-hour interactive online learning module designed to help people learn more about asthma. This course is ideal for frontline healthcare professionals, such as school nurses or community health workers, as well as individuals with asthma, parents of children with asthma, and co-workers, friends and family who want to learn more about asthma. www.lung.org/asthmabasics
· Understanding your asthma medications: The website has video instruction on all the major asthma medications (www.lung.org/asthmameds). Be sure to click on the playlist menu at the top left for specific medications.
Better Breathers Club: We hold monthly meetings where those affected by chronic lung disease, their families and caregivers can learn more about lung health. Invited speakers from the community speak on topics of interest; these have included sleep apnea, legal issues related to disability, nutrition and self-care. The Albuquerque Support group meets monthly at OnPointe at Home, 8725 Alameda Park Dr NE, Albuquerque NM 87113 on the 2nd Thursday of the Month at 1pm. For more information, contact Rebecca Padilla, Health Promotions Specialist at [email protected]
Free Lung Health Resources: Information about lung health and disease is available by accessing our Website at www.lung.org, or by speaking to a registered nurse or respiratory therapist at our HelpLine (1-800-LUNG-USA) or (1-800-586-4872; select option 2)
Freedom from Smoking: Considered the gold standard of smoking cessation programs, American Lung Association’s “Freedom From Smoking” offers adults on-line and in-person programs that address key issues such as weight control, building a support system, addiction, and coping with urges to smoke. Rebecca Padilla, Health Promotions Specialist at [email protected]
Smoke-free Multi Unit Housing: Our grant with the Department of Health enables us to work with apartment building managers and owners, and their residents to help them make all or part of their complexes smoke-free. This is a state wide project, helping support the 2018 HUD ruling. Contact Natalie Pena, Health Promotions Manager [email protected]
Clean Air: Air pollution is the top environmental concern of Americans. The American Lung Association annually releases the State of the Air Report, which measures air pollution levels throughout the country. The American Lung Association in New Mexico partners with voluntary health organizations, state-funded to***co control programs, nonprofits supporting clean air legislation, businesses providing renewable energy, and coalitions to make a difference in clean air issues. For more information visit http://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/sota/
