CVS Health Foundation invests $3.5M in Phoenix for air quality education

The CVS Health Foundation has announced a significant investment of $3.5 million to address air quality issues across the United States, with Phoenix being the first city to benefit from this initiative. This funding will be distributed over four years and aims to enhance the efforts of healthcare providers and organizations in promoting cleaner air and better health outcomes. The American Lung Association is collaborating on this project, which targets communities most affected by air pollution, particularly those with vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics indicating that over 131 million Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of ozone or particulate pollution. Despite improvements in air quality in many regions, climate change-related events, including wildfires and flooding, pose ongoing threats to public health. The project will focus on providing educational resources for healthcare providers and patients, as well as enhancing access to care for individuals suffering from lung diseases. Key components of the project include the distribution of air quality sensors to residents, which will help them monitor pollution levels and understand the associated health risks. Additionally, healthcare providers will receive tools to better manage care for patients with lung diseases during poor air quality days. The overarching goal is to empower communities to take proactive measures in safeguarding their health against the impacts of air pollution. By targeting specific cities with high pollution levels, the CVS Health Foundation and the American Lung Association aim to make a meaningful impact on public health and raise awareness about the importance of clean air for future generations.