(May 3, 2011)—

WHAT: The American Lung Association will host a media tele-briefing to discuss its strong support for continued funding of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Asthma Control Program, which has worked to integrate and coordinate the public health response to asthma management in New York and across the country. The President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2012 proposes a merger of the National Asthma Control Program with the Healthy Homes/Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, and debilitating cuts to both budgets by over 50 percent. This poses serious risks to the over 1.3 million adults and 415,000 children in New York that suffer from asthma.

WHEN: Thursday, May 5 at 10:30 a.m. ET

HOW:
Dial the Conference Access Number: (866) 551-3680
Enter your Participant PIN Code followed by the # key: 8005505#
You will be placed on musical hold until the Event begins

WHO: Speakers on the call will include the following individuals:

• Michael Seilback, Vice President of Public Policy and Communications, American Lung Association in New York
• Erika Sward, Director of National Policy and Advocacy, American Lung Association
• Charlotte Collins, JD, Vice President of Policy and Programs, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
• Olga Torres from the Bronx, and Yolanda Franklin from Long Beach, will discuss the positive impact that the New York State asthma control program has had on improving the lives of their children

WHY: The President’s Budget proposes to reduce the number of states funded by the National Asthma Control Program from 36 to 15. It is possible that federal funding for New York’s asthma control program could be completely eliminated.  A cut of this magnitude would have a devastating effect on the work being done within New York, including the state’s Asthma Control Program, a division of the Department of Health. This program, for example, has led to a 42 percent decrease in the number of deaths due to asthma and a 13 percent decrease in asthma hospitalizations in New York.

On Tuesday, May 3, the American Lung Association sent a letter to Congress, urging them to ensure that CDC’s National Asthma Control Program remains a stand-alone program and receives an appropriation of $31 million for Fiscal Year 2012. This will give the program sufficient resources to continue its work to reduce the burden of asthma in New York and in other states.

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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 Charity Navigator Four Star Charity and 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.LungUSA.org.

About the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
For 60 years the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has supported patients, providers and caregivers through research, education and advocacy. AAFA is a member of the National Health Council and holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal. Call 1-800-7-ASTHMA or visit www.aafa.org for more information.