Respiratory Health Association
@resphealth.bsky.social
Est. 1906 - Healthy Lungs and Clean Air For All
Canadian wildfire smoke has inundated the #Midwest today. #Indiana has called an #AirPollution Action Day and so did the #Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information, check out RHA's essential tips for protecting yourself from wildfire smoke:
For more information, check out RHA's essential tips for protecting yourself from wildfire smoke:
Essential Tips for Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
During the summer, wildfire smoke from other states and Canada often impacts air quality across the Midwest and East Coast.
resphealth.org
July 31, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Canadian wildfire smoke has inundated the #Midwest today. #Indiana has called an #AirPollution Action Day and so did the #Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information, check out RHA's essential tips for protecting yourself from wildfire smoke:
For more information, check out RHA's essential tips for protecting yourself from wildfire smoke:
🏭 Chicago’s zoning laws allow major polluters to move into already overburdened neighborhoods without warning.
A new ordinance would require public input before new pollution sources are approved.
🗣️ Read what RHA’s Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, has to say at:
A new ordinance would require public input before new pollution sources are approved.
🗣️ Read what RHA’s Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, has to say at:
'Charlie Hustle's' slow road to possible Hall of Fame recognition
The baseball legend will be on the minds of many attending Hall of Fame weekend. Also, quantum science, genocide in Gaza, pollutants, undocumented immigrants, political ads, Trump, Coldplay "kiss cam"...
chicago.suntimes.com
July 30, 2025 at 9:14 PM
🏭 Chicago’s zoning laws allow major polluters to move into already overburdened neighborhoods without warning.
A new ordinance would require public input before new pollution sources are approved.
🗣️ Read what RHA’s Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, has to say at:
A new ordinance would require public input before new pollution sources are approved.
🗣️ Read what RHA’s Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, has to say at:
Extreme heat is dangerous, especially for people with lung disease. Add heat stress, and the risk grows.
💧 Stay hydrated
🏠 Stay in air-conditioned spaces
🚫 Avoid outdoor exercise
Climate change is a public health crisis. RHA stands with those fighting to protect the EPA.
💧 Stay hydrated
🏠 Stay in air-conditioned spaces
🚫 Avoid outdoor exercise
Climate change is a public health crisis. RHA stands with those fighting to protect the EPA.
Thank you @robinkelly.house.gov @repbillfoster.bsky.social @elpcenter.bsky.social @sierraclub.org IL @camdavismwrd.bsky.social @nrdc.org @resphealth.bsky.social and everyone who stood with us to speak out against the Trump administration’s efforts to gut EPA’s ability to combat climate change.
July 29, 2025 at 6:20 AM
Extreme heat is dangerous, especially for people with lung disease. Add heat stress, and the risk grows.
💧 Stay hydrated
🏠 Stay in air-conditioned spaces
🚫 Avoid outdoor exercise
Climate change is a public health crisis. RHA stands with those fighting to protect the EPA.
💧 Stay hydrated
🏠 Stay in air-conditioned spaces
🚫 Avoid outdoor exercise
Climate change is a public health crisis. RHA stands with those fighting to protect the EPA.
🚭 Illegal smoking and vaping on the CTA is a serious health issue and we need solutions that work!
Check out RHA's Senior Director of Strategy, Programs & Policy, Erica Salem's Letter to the Editor of the Sun-Times urging Mayor Johnson to focus on enforcing existing fines.
Read the full letter at:
Check out RHA's Senior Director of Strategy, Programs & Policy, Erica Salem's Letter to the Editor of the Sun-Times urging Mayor Johnson to focus on enforcing existing fines.
Read the full letter at:
Mayor's plans to curb smoking on the CTA is well-intentioned but misguided
The problem is not ticketing, but rather collections of fines. And social workers on CTA platforms doesn't make sense since most breaking the ruled aren't mentally ill. Also, the Goodman's "The Color ...
chicago.suntimes.com
July 28, 2025 at 5:48 PM
🚭 Illegal smoking and vaping on the CTA is a serious health issue and we need solutions that work!
Check out RHA's Senior Director of Strategy, Programs & Policy, Erica Salem's Letter to the Editor of the Sun-Times urging Mayor Johnson to focus on enforcing existing fines.
Read the full letter at:
Check out RHA's Senior Director of Strategy, Programs & Policy, Erica Salem's Letter to the Editor of the Sun-Times urging Mayor Johnson to focus on enforcing existing fines.
Read the full letter at:
RHA will host a virtual Courage to Quit® Leader Training on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 5th and 6th, from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm CST. Participation in both days is required to complete the training.
Deadline to register is July 31st at 5pm CST.
Register today at:
Deadline to register is July 31st at 5pm CST.
Register today at:
8/5 and 8/6 Virtual Courage to Quit Leader Training
Virtual Two-Day Training on Zoom
Must attend both sessions to complete the full training
Tuesday, 8/5, 9:00 am-12:30 pm CST
Wednesday, 8/6, 9:00 am-12:30 pm CST
Registration deadline: Thursday, 7/31 a...
resphealth.app.neoncrm.com
July 15, 2025 at 7:51 PM
RHA will host a virtual Courage to Quit® Leader Training on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 5th and 6th, from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm CST. Participation in both days is required to complete the training.
Deadline to register is July 31st at 5pm CST.
Register today at:
Deadline to register is July 31st at 5pm CST.
Register today at:
RHA is pleased to announce the election of Nicholas J. Lynn to the Board of Directors.
A registered pharmacist and licensed attorney with over 40 years of experience, Lynn brings a wealth of legal experience in pharmaceutical regulation, post‑acute care, and healthcare compliance.
Full statement:
A registered pharmacist and licensed attorney with over 40 years of experience, Lynn brings a wealth of legal experience in pharmaceutical regulation, post‑acute care, and healthcare compliance.
Full statement:
Duane Morris’ Nicholas J. Lynn Elected to RHA Board of Directors
RHA is pleased to announce the election of Nicholas Lynn, a registered pharmacist and licensed attorney with over 40 years of experience.
resphealth.org
July 9, 2025 at 2:56 PM
RHA is pleased to announce the election of Nicholas J. Lynn to the Board of Directors.
A registered pharmacist and licensed attorney with over 40 years of experience, Lynn brings a wealth of legal experience in pharmaceutical regulation, post‑acute care, and healthcare compliance.
Full statement:
A registered pharmacist and licensed attorney with over 40 years of experience, Lynn brings a wealth of legal experience in pharmaceutical regulation, post‑acute care, and healthcare compliance.
Full statement:
RHA is proud to announce that Nixon Peabody partner John Ruskusky has been elected to the Board of Directors.
Ruskusky is a seasoned trial lawyer who represents companies and individuals in high-stakes business litigation.
Read the full statement at:
Ruskusky is a seasoned trial lawyer who represents companies and individuals in high-stakes business litigation.
Read the full statement at:
Nixon Peabody’s John Ruskusky Elected to RHA Board of Directors
RHA is proud to announce that Nixon Peabody partner John Ruskusky has been elected to the Board of Directors.
resphealth.org
July 9, 2025 at 2:49 PM
RHA is proud to announce that Nixon Peabody partner John Ruskusky has been elected to the Board of Directors.
Ruskusky is a seasoned trial lawyer who represents companies and individuals in high-stakes business litigation.
Read the full statement at:
Ruskusky is a seasoned trial lawyer who represents companies and individuals in high-stakes business litigation.
Read the full statement at:
Join us on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 for a free zoom webinar between 12:00 - 12:45 PM CST, as we cover #radon basics, #health risks, testing & mitigation, and a policy snapshot. RHA's Brian Urbaszewski, will be moderating.
Sign up today at RespHealth.org/Radon-Webinar
Sign up today at RespHealth.org/Radon-Webinar
July 2, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Join us on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 for a free zoom webinar between 12:00 - 12:45 PM CST, as we cover #radon basics, #health risks, testing & mitigation, and a policy snapshot. RHA's Brian Urbaszewski, will be moderating.
Sign up today at RespHealth.org/Radon-Webinar
Sign up today at RespHealth.org/Radon-Webinar
🚨🚨Tonight, the U.S. Senate plans to vote on a budget bill that cuts over a trillion dollars in #Medicaid funding. If passed, nearly 12 million Americans will face being uninsured and millions more will receive worse care.
Tell Your Senators to Protect Medicaid and Stop the 'Big Beautiful Bill!'
Tell Your Senators to Protect Medicaid and Stop the 'Big Beautiful Bill!'
PROTECT MEDICAID AND STOP THE SENATE'S 'BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL
<p>Tonight, the U.S. Senate plans to vote on their version of the massive federal budget bill, which cuts over a trillion dollars in Medicaid funding. If passed, nearly 12 million of Americans will fa...
ujoin.co
June 30, 2025 at 6:39 PM
🚨🚨Tonight, the U.S. Senate plans to vote on a budget bill that cuts over a trillion dollars in #Medicaid funding. If passed, nearly 12 million Americans will face being uninsured and millions more will receive worse care.
Tell Your Senators to Protect Medicaid and Stop the 'Big Beautiful Bill!'
Tell Your Senators to Protect Medicaid and Stop the 'Big Beautiful Bill!'
Do you live in the City of #chicago and believe people already overburdened with #airpollution should have a voice when large polluters want to locate in their communities?
Sign a letter urging your Alderperson to protect the health of already vulnerable communities at ujoin.co/campaigns/38...
Sign a letter urging your Alderperson to protect the health of already vulnerable communities at ujoin.co/campaigns/38...
June 27, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Do you live in the City of #chicago and believe people already overburdened with #airpollution should have a voice when large polluters want to locate in their communities?
Sign a letter urging your Alderperson to protect the health of already vulnerable communities at ujoin.co/campaigns/38...
Sign a letter urging your Alderperson to protect the health of already vulnerable communities at ujoin.co/campaigns/38...
In 2023, thanks to RHA and Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America advocacy, #Illinois became the first state in the country to fund a statewide program permitting undesignated emergency #asthma medication in schools.
Learn more about the successes of the program at:
Learn more about the successes of the program at:
Fighting Childhood Asthma: Smarter Policies, Safer School Days
Asthma laws and policies enacted in 22 states hold significant potential to reduce missed class time and save lives.
www.futureofpersonalhealth.com
June 25, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 Summer Reception and joined us in congratulating our 2025 Solovy Award recipient, Dr. Wassim Labaki, alongside all of our amazing volunteers!
June 24, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 Summer Reception and joined us in congratulating our 2025 Solovy Award recipient, Dr. Wassim Labaki, alongside all of our amazing volunteers!
Last Wednesday, 34th Ward Alderman Bill Conway, alongside RHA staff, introduced a resolution calling for stronger enforcement of the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) ban on #smoking.
June 23, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Last Wednesday, 34th Ward Alderman Bill Conway, alongside RHA staff, introduced a resolution calling for stronger enforcement of the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) ban on #smoking.
Check our RHA's Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, discuss how to keep yourself safe during poor #AirQuality days and how poor air quality affects your #health.
Air quality, your health and what to do about it
Canadian wildfires brought some of the worst air quality in the world to Chicago last week.
www.wbez.org
June 18, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Check our RHA's Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, discuss how to keep yourself safe during poor #AirQuality days and how poor air quality affects your #health.
🔥🔥Wildfire smoke blanketed #Chicago last week, but warnings alone aren’t enough! Residents need access to clean-air shelters and resources.
Check out what RHA's Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, has to say:
Check out what RHA's Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, has to say:
As Wildfire Smoke Increases Bad-Air Days, Are Government Agencies Doing Enough? - Inside Climate News
Toxic air spreads hundreds or even thousands of miles from where wildfires burn. Last week, Chicago felt the sting—and warnings weren’t enough to protect health.
insideclimatenews.org
June 17, 2025 at 4:10 AM
🔥🔥Wildfire smoke blanketed #Chicago last week, but warnings alone aren’t enough! Residents need access to clean-air shelters and resources.
Check out what RHA's Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, has to say:
Check out what RHA's Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, has to say:
June 16, 2025 at 10:08 PM
RHA is proud to name Nan Sethakorn, MD, PhD, of Loyola University Chicago, as the recipient of the 2025 #LungCancer Research Award.
Dr. Sethakorn’s research focuses on natural killer cells—immune cells that can directly kill cancer—and how lung #cancer cells may block their activity.
Dr. Sethakorn’s research focuses on natural killer cells—immune cells that can directly kill cancer—and how lung #cancer cells may block their activity.
June 12, 2025 at 7:41 PM
RHA is proud to name Nan Sethakorn, MD, PhD, of Loyola University Chicago, as the recipient of the 2025 #LungCancer Research Award.
Dr. Sethakorn’s research focuses on natural killer cells—immune cells that can directly kill cancer—and how lung #cancer cells may block their activity.
Dr. Sethakorn’s research focuses on natural killer cells—immune cells that can directly kill cancer—and how lung #cancer cells may block their activity.
RHA is proud to name Wassim Labaki, MD, the recipient of the 2025 Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD.
Dr. Labaki is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and a provider in the Michigan Medicine COPD Clinic.
Read the press release at:
Dr. Labaki is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and a provider in the Michigan Medicine COPD Clinic.
Read the press release at:
Dr. Wassim Labaki Receives 2025 Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD
Respiratory Health Association is proud to name Wassim Labaki, MD the recipient of the 2025 Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD.
resphealth.org
June 12, 2025 at 3:43 PM
RHA is proud to name Wassim Labaki, MD, the recipient of the 2025 Solovy Award for Advancement in COPD.
Dr. Labaki is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and a provider in the Michigan Medicine COPD Clinic.
Read the press release at:
Dr. Labaki is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and a provider in the Michigan Medicine COPD Clinic.
Read the press release at:
Check out RHA's Senior Director of Strategy, Programs & Policy, Erica Salem, at the inaugural Ready Schools, Healthy Kids Summit on August 25–26 at the Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin!
June 11, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Check out RHA's Senior Director of Strategy, Programs & Policy, Erica Salem, at the inaugural Ready Schools, Healthy Kids Summit on August 25–26 at the Abbey Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin!
RHA is alarmed by the abrupt dismissal of all CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices members.
We urge Congress to restore the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices immediately and ensure critical #vaccine coverage for our most vulnerable communities.
We urge Congress to restore the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices immediately and ensure critical #vaccine coverage for our most vulnerable communities.
June 10, 2025 at 6:48 PM
RHA is alarmed by the abrupt dismissal of all CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices members.
We urge Congress to restore the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices immediately and ensure critical #vaccine coverage for our most vulnerable communities.
We urge Congress to restore the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices immediately and ensure critical #vaccine coverage for our most vulnerable communities.
Be smoke-smart this summer! #WildfireSmoke from Canada can drift back into #Illinois any time!
And as RHA’s Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, reminds us: “There is no level at which fine particles cease to cause health problems.”
And as RHA’s Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, reminds us: “There is no level at which fine particles cease to cause health problems.”
Chicago's air quality ranked among worst in the world due to Canadian wildfire smoke
Another large fire exacerbated by climate change is threatening the health of Chicagoans. Government officials issued an air pollution "action day" on Thursday.
www.wbez.org
June 10, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Be smoke-smart this summer! #WildfireSmoke from Canada can drift back into #Illinois any time!
And as RHA’s Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, reminds us: “There is no level at which fine particles cease to cause health problems.”
And as RHA’s Director of Environmental Health Programs, Brian Urbaszewski, reminds us: “There is no level at which fine particles cease to cause health problems.”
🎥 Check out RHA advocate Mia Fritsch-Anderson on the Whitney Reynolds Show as she shares how we can help destigmatize #asthma and support those living with it.
📺 Watch now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4-a...
📺 Watch now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4-a...
Respiratory Health Association | With Whit
YouTube video by Whitney Reynolds
www.youtube.com
June 4, 2025 at 2:55 PM
🎥 Check out RHA advocate Mia Fritsch-Anderson on the Whitney Reynolds Show as she shares how we can help destigmatize #asthma and support those living with it.
📺 Watch now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4-a...
📺 Watch now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4-a...
🌟 We're excited to co-host Reboot Your Network for a Better World with the @loyolachicago.bsky.social's Baumhart Center! 🌍✨
Join us on June 11 for an evening of purposeful #networking, light bites, and real connections with social impact professionals across Chicago.
Join us on June 11 for an evening of purposeful #networking, light bites, and real connections with social impact professionals across Chicago.
June 3, 2025 at 8:07 PM
🌟 We're excited to co-host Reboot Your Network for a Better World with the @loyolachicago.bsky.social's Baumhart Center! 🌍✨
Join us on June 11 for an evening of purposeful #networking, light bites, and real connections with social impact professionals across Chicago.
Join us on June 11 for an evening of purposeful #networking, light bites, and real connections with social impact professionals across Chicago.
Last week, ComEd announced that the Illinois Commerce Commission approved its second Beneficial Electrification (BE) Plan, investing approximately $168 million over a three-year period beginning in 2026.
June 3, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Last week, ComEd announced that the Illinois Commerce Commission approved its second Beneficial Electrification (BE) Plan, investing approximately $168 million over a three-year period beginning in 2026.
On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services announced that #COVID19 #vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy pregnant people and children.
The Centers for Disease Control's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet soon to issue a formal recommendation.
The Centers for Disease Control's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet soon to issue a formal recommendation.
June 1, 2025 at 9:06 PM