American Lung Association Announces New Head of Nationwide Advocacy and Public Policy to Lead Efforts to Protect Lung Health

Today, the American Lung Association announced Laura Kate Bender as the new Vice President of Nationwide Advocacy and Public Policy to spearhead the organization’s efforts to advance policies that improve lung health, keep our air clean, prevent tobacco use, end lung cancer, advance access to quality, affordable healthcare and help families facing lung disease. 

“This year, the public health and research communities have encountered significant challenges. Proven and effective public health programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have lost funding, lifesaving research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has halted, rules from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that protect communities from deadly air pollution are being overturned and more than 16 million people are at risk of losing their healthcare coverage,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “This is a moment to redouble our advocacy efforts. Laura Kate’s strategic thinking and policy acumen make her uniquely suited to lead our policy agenda forward during this critical time for lung health. The Lung Association remains firm in our conviction that advocacy and public policy saves lives – and that people, when empowered to speak out, can drive real change.”

Everyone with lungs benefits from the policies the American Lung Association champions. When children breathe cleaner air than their parents once did, that’s the Clean Air Act and EPA enforcement at work. When a family member is offered a promising new treatment, that’s NIH research delivering hope. When a community has resources to help someone better manage their asthma, that’s thanks to CDC’s programs. When a person can access lung cancer screening at no cost, that’s the Affordable Care Act expanding access to lifesaving care. And when a child is safer from the tobacco industry’s predatory marketing, that’s the Tobacco Control Act continuing to save lives. 

“That progress is now at risk. If efforts to gut the nation’s public health infrastructure and healthcare resources continue, today’s kids may not have a healthier future than their parents. But it’s not too late. The Lung Association is more committed to advocacy than ever, and we call on everyone to join us,” said Wimmer. “Advocacy is a pillar of the Lung Association’s work, and we are unwavering in our commitment to continue pushing for policies at every level of government that help people breathe easier.” 

Bender brings more than 15 years of experience in public health and advocacy, demonstrating exemplary leadership, deep policy expertise, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the organization’s mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

Learn more about Laura Kate Bender’s expertise here.