BREATHE History

BREATHE LA was first formed in 1903 as the Los Angeles Society for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis. The organization served the city's growing population of more than 300,000. For more than 30 years, the organization was committed to increasing public awareness about the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic and other lung-related diseases-including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema-and working towards eradication.

Advances in technology, healthcare access and medicine all contributed to a dramatic downturn in active TB cases. As a result, the Association began to take an increased interest in the relationships between air pollution and respiratory disease. In 1968, the Society underwent the first of several name changes to become the Tuberculosis & Respiratory Disease Association of Los Angeles County. During this time, the fight against smog in Los Angeles became a major effort and the measuring of air pollution began.

During the early 1970s, the organization focused on the prevention and control of lung disease and sponsored extensive research on the effects of air pollution on respiratory health.

In 1979, the organization became the American Lung Association of Los Angeles County and focused on anti-smoking and clean air initiatives, with an increased focus on youth advocacy for anti-tobacco programs. As pediatric asthma rates increased nationwide, the organization also placed greater emphasis on asthma education programs, while continuing to pursue clean air initiatives.

BREATHE LA was founded in 2006 as a part of BREATHE California, a statewide organization with affiliates in Central Coast, Sacramento-Emigrant Trails, and San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara-San Benito Counties. The purpose of BREATHE California is to advance primary and secondary lung disease prevention interventions and advocate for policies that best serve and involve local communities. The five BREATHE affiliates focus on localized programs and come together to implement programs and research that benefit all Californians.

The new BREATHE California name embraces this collective focus. To learn more about the activities of our affiliates and our statewide presence, visit www.breathecalifornia.org