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The American Lung Association of Arkansas became the Arkansas Respiratory Health Association (ARHA) with a quick yank of a cloth covering the banner that had the association’s new name and new slogan, “Breathe Easier. Every day” at a press conference at the ARHA building off Markham in Little Rock.

Arkansas is one of several states and regions that have already split from the American Lung Association; others include Chicago and New Hampshire.

One key reason was money. The ARHA raised about $800,000 in various fundraisers. “This means that 100 percent of all money collected in Arkansas will stay in Arkansas and be used to help Arkansans,” said Jerry Wilson, a member of the state chapter’s board, during the news conference.

Another event that might have ended is the summer camp for pediatric asthma patients, which is not on the list of official activities from the American Lung Association.

“Asthma camp would probably go away if we didn’t disaffiliate,” said Jim Wilson, president of the board and no relation to Jerry Wilson. “I can’t stress enough that we’re doing this to keep our dollars as local as possible.”

The move to the ARHA became official July 1.

Of course, becoming an independent agency is a bit of a gamble.

“The risk is in fundraising — that for some reason the new name doesn’t take hold, or whatever the case may be,” Jim Wilson said. “I view the risk, and the rest of the board views the risk, that if we didn’t disaffiliate … the local presence would be diminished greatly.

The ARHA will continue to partner with and contribute data to the Lung Association on various research projects.


August 2007

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