American Lung Association Pushes for SOAR Act and CDC Funding in Respiratory Advocacy Day
Event summary
- American Lung Association hosts 4th Respiratory Advocacy Day on September 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
- Advocates push for co-sponsorship of the SOAR Act to improve Medicare access to supplemental oxygen.
- Participants seek $11.6 billion in CDC funding for lung health programs.
- Over 35 million Americans live with chronic lung diseases, including COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis.
- Participants include individuals like Peter S. Berger, a firefighter/paramedic diagnosed with COPD at 32.
The big picture
The American Lung Association's Respiratory Advocacy Day comes at a critical time, with rising wildfire smoke events, severe flu seasons, and a surge in measles cases highlighting the urgent needs of chronic respiratory disease patients. The push for the SOAR Act and increased CDC funding aligns with broader trends in healthcare policy, emphasizing the need for robust public health programs and affordable access to essential treatments. The event underscores the growing advocacy efforts to address the challenges faced by millions of Americans with lung diseases.
What we're watching
- Legislative Momentum
- Whether the SOAR Act gains sufficient co-sponsors to advance through Congress.
- Funding Allocation
- The pace at which CDC funding for lung health programs is approved and disbursed.
- Public Health Impact
- How increased visibility of chronic lung disease affects policy and public health initiatives.