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Respiratory Health Association Celebrates 120 Years of Protecting Lung Health 

January 28, 2026

This year marks 120 years since Respiratory Health Association (RHA) was founded in 1906. RHA is a local public health leader with deep roots in the Chicago area. 

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, RHA has been driven by a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves to breathe clean air,” said Cindy Gronkiewicz and Cathy Catrambone, RHA Board Co-Chairs. “We remain committed to strengthening our communities, addressing chronic lung disease, and promoting clean air policies for generations to come.” 

“Reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication of staff, volunteers, partners and supporters, past and present,” said Robert Anderson, RHA President and CEO. 

Throughout its history, RHA has played a vital role in addressing public health challenges: 

  • During the first half of the twentieth century, the mission of the organization was to fight tuberculosis by establishing dispensaries, providing mobile chest x-ray trucks, and promoting research for a cure.  
  • Starting in the 1960’s, RHA promoted anti-tobacco and clean air policies, culminating in the passage of the Chicago Clean Indoor Air ordinance in 1988, the Illinois Clean Indoor Air Act in 1989, and the federal Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act in 2009. 
  • In 2001, Illinois passed a law permitting students to carry and self-administer their asthma inhaler during school hours. RHA begins offering in-school sessions teaching students how to manage their asthma symptoms and still runs this program today. 
  • RHA and its partners achieve the closure of the Fisk and Crawford coal-fired power plants in Pilsen and Little Village in 2012, which were responsible for over 60 heart attacks and 700 asthma episodes annually. 

To commemorate the anniversary, RHA will host an Open House on March 16, 2026, to highlight stories of impact, recognize community leaders, and reaffirm the organization’s commitment to its mission.