RHA ends its long affiliation with a national lung health non-profit organization, deciding to maintain its local board of directors and governance structure and its focus on meeting the lung health needs of local communities in Illinois and the Midwest. RHA board votes unanimously to rename itself Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. RHA subsequently develops programs and initiatives to support the lung health needs of urban multi-cultural communities. Funds raised by RHA are used locally, and not used to support a national organization structure.