Lung Health and the Black Community

Black History Month (February 1 – March 1) is a time in our country to recognize the Black community’s influence and impact on American culture and society.

The Black cultural experience in America is as diverse as it is throughout the world—the hand of Africa and enslavement affected our lifestyle behaviors—for better or for worse. Moreover, it is the perception of individuals who see Black Americans through a “racial lens” that has manipulated how Black people are considered or are marginalized, which has impacted the determinants of health in our communities and, ultimately, the Black/white morbidity and mortality gap.

In recognition of Black History Month, the American Lung Association looks at declaring racism as a public health crisis, lung health outcomes affected by racism, and lung health issues disproportionately impacting Black communities. We are also proud to present our “Spotlight Series” of partners across the country who make considerable impacts to the American Lung Association mission and messages, and who have contributed to the effort to eliminate lung disease in their communities as well as lung health resources pertinent to Black communities and those who serve them.