Annual Reports
Lung Health Victories – July 2025 – June 2026
Living Our Mission
With your help, we’re fighting for healthy lungs and clean air for all; a world without asthma, COPD, COVID-19, or lung cancer. None of these successes would be possible without our donors, advocates, and event participants. To learn more about the educational programs, research, and policy work your contributions support, visit RespHealth.org.
Record Number of Students Receive Vaping Education
RHA health educators conducted educational sessions for over 12,000 students and 1,000 adults on the dangers of vaping.
Student Asthma Guide is Published
RHA published the first-ever asthma handbook designed specifically for children.
Breathe Easy Covers Chicago During Healthy Lung Month
In October 2025, RHA partnered with businesses across Chicago in our Breathe Easy campaign. This collaboration of promotional partnerships expanded community engagement and brought greater attention to lung health.
Law Passed that Adds More Zero-Emission Electricity Generation
RHA successfully advocated for the passage of the Illinois Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA). This law aims to reduce fossil fuel emissions from power plants by accelerating the creation of zero-emission clean energy resources.
Monumental Plan Enacted to Save and Expand Transit in Illinois
RHA supported the passage of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act, which closes the budget shortfall in Northeast Illinois and adds funding to expand transit services statewide. This will decrease dependence on personal vehicles, reduce air pollution, and ensure equitable access to medical care.
Asthma Caregiver’s Handbook Received Two Awards
The seminal RHA Asthma Caregiver’s Handbook was awarded a Silver Trumpet Award from the Publicity Club of Chicago, and the Handbook’s website was recognized with an International Silver Anthem Award in Health Literacy.
RHA Celebrates 120 Years of Protecting Lung Health
This year marks 120 years since Respiratory Health Association was founded in 1906. To commemorate the anniversary, RHA hosted an Open House to highlight stories of impact, recognize community leaders, and reaffirm the organization’s commitment to its mission.
Lung Health Advocacy Day Returns to Springfield
After a six-year absence, RHA led a group of advocates to the state capital in Springfield to lobby their state legislators in support of lung health and clean air bills.
$25 Asthma Cap Co-Pay Goes into Effect
January 1, 2026, marked the day the Illinois amendment that caps the co-pay of an inhaler at $25 went into effect. RHA successfully advocated for the law, which also states prescription inhalers be exempted from insurance plan deductibles. This helps people with lung disease afford the medications they need to stay healthy.
RHA Fights Federal Threats to Public Health
As a leading voice for public health, RHA established our Defending our Mission newsletters and hosted informational vaccine webinars. Letters were sent to Congress urging lawmakers to maintain tobacco, asthma, and COPD funding, and to the EPA seeking protections for clean air policy.
Learn More
When you invest in our work, RHA honors that commitment with careful management and utilization of resources. Visit our healthy lungs, clean air, advocacy, and research pages to learn how the support RHA receives has impacted those living with respiratory disease and protected future generations.
Visit our GuideStar page to learn more or contact Rob Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer, via email at randerson@resphealth.org or by phone at (312) 628-0220 with additional questions.