Respiratory Health Association Celebrates 120 Years of Protecting Lung Health and Announces New Vaping Education Program with City of Chicago

June 22, 2026, CHICAGO – Respiratory Health Association (RHA) held a news conference to celebrate its 120th anniversary. RHA and the City of Chicago announced a new vaping education program.

Originally founded to fight tuberculosis, today the organization works to prevent lung disease, promote clean air, and help people live better through education, research and policy change. Over time, the organization has grown to address asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and tobacco cessation.

“For 120 years, Respiratory Health Association has been driven by a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves to breathe clean air. We remain committed to strengthening our communities, addressing chronic lung disease, and promoting clean air policies for generations to come.” – Rob Anderson, RHA President and CEO

“120 years is a remarkable milestone, but what impresses me most isn’t just the history—it’s the evolution. From fighting tuberculosis a century ago to tackling modern challenges like air quality, asthma disparities, and climate change today, this organization has stayed ahead of the curve. I see the impact RHA has on our families, and I am committed to continuing that partnership in the legislature to ensure our community stays healthy for the next 120 years and beyond.” – Illinois State Senator Lakesia Collins (5th – Chicago)

“It has been an honor working with RHA to improve the lives of others, whether through legislation, service, resources, or expertise. From strengthening laws to participating in RHA’s Hustle Chicago stair climb this past year, these efforts build stronger communities, fight health disparities, and keep kids healthy no matter where they live.” – Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy (14th – Chicago)

“Our partnership with RHA spans more than a century, from early work in 1925 on tuberculosis prevention, to joint efforts on smokefree legislation in the 1990s and 2000s. This long-standing collaboration helped Chicago lead the nation on tobacco control and lung health innovation. Today, we’re proud to build on that history with a renewed partnership focused on preventing youth vaping, ensuring the next generation grows up healthier and better protected from emerging tobacco risks.” – Jennifer Vidis, Deputy Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health

“We are proud to celebrate this anniversary and our longstanding partnership with RHA. Over the past several decades, we have worked side by side to address public health issues from youth nicotine addiction, asthma disparities, poor air quality, and emerging respiratory health threats. Meeting these challenges requires the same commitment to partnership, innovation, and community engagement that has defined RHA for the past 120 years. We look forward to continuing this important work together.” – Amy O’Rourke, Director of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control at Cook County Department of Public Health

“Congratulations to RHA on 120 years of advocacy for lung health, clean air, and helping people live better lives through education, research, and policy change! For more than 10 years, the Christopher D. Redding Youth Asthma Foundation has partnered with RHA through fundraising campaigns, educational programs, advocacy initiatives, and most recently in drafting and passing HB 4247, which allows emergency asthma medication and trained personnel at sporting events and practice fields at Illinois schools that participate in the RESCUE Program. We are grateful to RHA for our longstanding partnership and its unwavering support!” – Helen Hammond Redding, Executive Director, Christopher D. Redding Youth Asthma Foundation