Pulmonologist and Former Lung Association Board Chair Becomes Medical “Voice” of Health Organization

Chicago, IL (October 22, 2014)—

The American Lung Association is pleased to announce that Albert Rizzo, M.D. has been appointed the 110-year-old health organization’s Senior Medical Advisor. Dr. Rizzo is Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine for Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Rizzo has been actively involved with the American Lung Association at the local and national level for many years. 

“We are delighted to have someone with Dr. Rizzo’s expertise and commitment to healthy lungs join us in this important role,” said Harold P. Wimmer National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “He has long been a valued member of our volunteer leadership team, and having him join us in this critical new role strengthens our medical foundation and our ability to share our lifesaving message with the American public.”

As Senior Medical Advisor, Dr. Rizzo will serve as key medical advisor to the American Lung Association Lung Helpline (1-800-LUNGUSA), advising on information and interactions with patients. The Lung HelpLine is an American Lung Association resource that people can call with their lung health questions and receive information and guidance by a team of experts, including registered nurses, respiratory therapists, certified tobacco treatment specialists and counselors. Dr. Rizzo will advise the HelpLine on the most up-to-date medical information so that patients and caregivers received the best, most current information on lung disease possible.

In this new role, Rizzo will also serve as a primary media spokesperson for the Lung Association, particularly in the areas of lung cancer, asthma and COPD. He will also advise the Association in developing medical policy, act as a key medical leader in advocacy issues, and be key medical content reviewer for Lung Association health and support initiatives such as LUNG FORCE and Facing Lung Cancer – Support from Day One and other public health materials and online resources.

In addition, Rizzo will also serve as a liaison with other scientific and medical societies and organization and the primary medical advisor and medical contact with patient advocacy organizations.

Dr. Rizzo is also the current chair of the American Lung Association’s Lung Cancer Expert Medical Advisory Panel and has been part of the Association’s efforts in spearheading lung cancer initiatives.

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About the American Lung Association Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.