Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago (RHAMC) is a non-profit corporation located on Chicago’s Near West Side.
Initially founded as the Chicago Tuberculosis Institute, the organization has undergone several name changes since 1906 to incorporate its expanding mission. Today, RHAMC's mission is to fight lung disease and promote healthy lungs through research, advocacy, and education. Programs and outreach efforts serve patients and families affected by lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and other lung diseases.
The organization serves an estimated one million Cook County residents diagnosed with lung diseases through community-based interventions: assisting with grants for research, creating policy initiatives that address long-term concerns on respiratory diseases, and developing programs to prevent lung disease.
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1906 Chicago Tuberculosis Institute was founded "to advance the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis and to coordinate the care of those afflicted with this disease."
1956 Following a decline in TB deaths, National Tuberculosis Association voted to include other respiratory diseases its mission.
1964 The landmark Surgeon General's Report announced, "Cigarette smoking... is the single most avoidable cause of disease in our society and the most important public health issue of our time." [1]
1972 The TB Institute of Chicago and Cook County changed its name to Chicago Lung Association. National TB and Respiratory Disease Association formally changed its name to American Lung Association.
1988 Chicago Lung Association organized a grassroots lobbying campaign to pass Chicago's first clean indoor air ordinance (34-8) restricting smoking in restaurants, workplaces and public spaces.
1993 Chicago Lung Association is renamed American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago (ALAMC).
1998 The State of Illinois expects to receive $9 billion over a 25-year period as part of a national settlement with tobacco companies. ALAMC hosts the first annual Hustle up the Hancock stairclimb up the John Hancock Center to raise funds for its mission; ALAMC administers 14,000 flu shots throughout metropolitan Chicago.
2005 The organization plays a key role in passing Chicago's 100% smoke-free ordinance, which eliminates or phases out smoking in all Chicago workplaces, including bars and restaurants. [2]
2007 Illinois becomes the 22nd state in the nation to become 100% smoke-free in its workplaces. Smoke Free Illinois Act is passed through the work of the ALAMC and other health groups. [3]
2007 The organization ends its affiliation with American Lung Association and becomes an independent lung health organization. At that time the organization changes its name to Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago (RHAMC). [4]
2008 RHAMC and the Illinois COPD Coalition release the Illinois State COPD Plan. [5]As only the second of its kind in the nation, the plan outlines a state strategy to educate the public and better treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Respiratory Health Association mission is to promote healthy lungs and fight lung disease through research, advocacy, and education. More specifically, goals of the RHAMC include:
Other Events Include: