Breathing should not be a struggle or risk. We fight lung disease and promote clean air to help people lead healthier lives and help communities become healthier places to live. Through direct service, education, advocacy and research we affect individual, institutional and community change for better breathing and better living.

There is a great need for our services at the local level! 4.5 Million Californians of all ages were diagnosed with asthma in 2003. Each year, lung disease causes 35,000 deaths in California and more than 4,700 non-smoking Californians are killed by second hand smoke. Trends indicate that nearly 18,000 Californians will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year.

Description:
BREATHE CALIFORNIA

Most of us take breathing for granted. But for those with asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, tuberculosis or other forms of lung disease, the essential act of breathing can be a constant struggle.

For a century, Breathe California has been dedicated to promoting healthy lungs and fighting lung disease. We are the oldest voluntary heath organization in California. Since our founding in the early 1900’s as the Tuberculosis Association, we have worked to create a host of critical services.
In 2006, we changed our name to Breathe California to focus our resources exclusively on local programs. Today, one hundred percent of our donations are used here in California to promote healthy lungs through prevention, advocacy, education, research and direct services at the community level.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
We strive to help every Californian to breathe easier with programs and services anchored by our grass roots organization and collaboration with community partners.

TOBACCO CONTROL
Because smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, a significant portion of our resources are aimed at tobacco control, including:
•Providing access to smoking cessation classes and clinics,
•Developing programs specially designed to keep teenagers smoke-free,
•Advocating for smoke-free policies, providing smoke free areas,
•Reducing the public’s exposure to secondhand smoke.

ASTHMA MANAGEMENT
Now approaching epidemic proportions in our schools, asthma is on the rise across California. We work closely with local school and childcare professionals, health officials, city agencies and community organizations to relieve the burden of asthma by:
•Educating children and adults to better manage their asthma,
•Affecting policy changes to reduce environmental asthma triggers at school, in childcare, and at home.

FIGHTING FOR CLEAN AIR
Clean air is essential to lung health. Breathe California is advocating for policies that improve air quality including:
•Cleaner-running buses for school and public transportation,
•Stricter air quality standards,
•Reducing global warming through stronger legislation.

SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND TRAINING
Breathe California provides training programs to health care professionals, educators, and civic leaders on lung health and air quality issues. We support research to find cures for lung disease and to increase understanding of lung health.

History:
Since 1908, Breathe California and its predecessors have worked to reduce the impact of lung disease through prevention, education, advocacy and patient services. Originally founded as the San Francisco Society for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis, we have changed our name many times. Even though we have recently changed our name, we are the same nonprofit corporation that we have been since we incorporated in 1911. We are locally governed and donations are used in the local community to provide services to promote lung health and clean air. We also continue to support research to find cures for lung disease.

Contact people:

Elias Trevino, Associate Executive, (phone), (email) Linda Civitello-Joy, CEO, (phone), (email) Mary Kay Mitchell, Special Events Manager, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (650) 994-5868
Office fax number: (650) 994-4601

Address:

2171 Junipero Serra Boulevard, #720 Daly City, CA 94014 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.ggbreathe.org

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Daly City BART,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: SamTrans #212, 2 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Mandarin, Spanish
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	16
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	No