ABOUT US > Annual Reports > 2004-2005

 

Major Accomplishments

 

The mission of the American Lung Association of Maine is to lead in lung health promotion and lung disease prevention for Maine. Our work in air quality, tobacco, asthma and other lung diseases is accomplished through education, research, advocacy and collaboration with other public health and professional agencies.

Tobacco Prevention and Control

• Led the effort which passed a historic $1.00 increase in the cigarette excise tax that will save lives and reduce suffering in this state, with the Maine Coalition on Smoking or Health. Maine now has one of the highest state excise taxes on a pack of cigarettes in the country!

• Successfully assured that our Tobacco settlement money continues to support the health improvement programs in the Fund for Healthy Maine and maintaining Maine’s position as the nation’s leader in per capita spending on tobacco prevention and treatment.

• With the Center for Tobacco Independence certified tobacco treatment specialists. Maine is one of two states currently sponsoring this program to provide quality assurance for those wanting to quit smoking!

Air Quality/Environmental Health

• Worked for the passage of the Clean Cars Initiative which will significantly increased access to less polluting vehicles for Maine's people, with the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Environment Maine, Sierra Club and the Dept of Environmental Protection.

• Began the development of a New England-wide school air quality improvement strategy with the other lung associations in New England the Asthma Regional Council.

• Co-sponsored the 2005 global warming and air pollution conference “Making the Connection- Human Health in a Changing Environment”

  

Asthma and Other Lung Disease

• Provided training for over 100 Asthma Educators through our revised Asthma Educator Institute, 18 of Maine’s asthma educators are now nationally certified!

• Successfully advocated with our collaborators to successfully pass a law that will allow Maine students to carry their asthma inhalers with them in school!

• Continue to actively lobby in Augusta to assure all Maine people will have access to quality, affordable health care, including preventive services and prescription drugs.

• Continue to expand our efforts to promote lung healthy lifestyles for all ages through educational activities like our bicycle Trek Across Maine and the Stepping-n-Smartly web based pedometer program.

• Worked with the Maine Bureau of Health on a rapid response and development of a flu prevention awareness campaign last fall when a serious flu vaccine shortage was predicted.

Special Events and Fundraising

• Raised $1,200,000 from the 2005 Trek Across Maine to support our research, education and advocacy work and continuing efforts! This event attracted over 1600 riders, thousands of supporters, a group of dedicated sponsors and 300 volunteers!

• Raised over $160,000.00 through Golf Privilege Card sales. This program annually attracts nearly 100 sponsoring golf courses and driving ranges in Maine, New Hampshire and eastern Canada, a group of generous sponsors and thousands of loyal customers.

Finally, we extend our thanks to all of you who have supported this organization in so many ways. Thousands of you have pedaled across the state in the Trek Across Maine for our mission, others have supported the cyclists financially. Many others have donated your expertise and your valuable time.

To all of you who have helped us fight lung disease and promote lung health in Maine, we express the sincere appreciation of our entire organization.