Take A Deep Breath - The Breathing Association Services and Programs

One of the most frightening symptoms of the during this covid pandemic was to watch patients not able to breathe. The state scrambled to find respirators or "jerry rig" what machinery they could find.

But it was terrifying to think that you would not be able to take another breath, something that we do every few seconds normally without even thinking about it.

Our guests are from The Breathing Association. Alicia Hopkins, who is a nurse practitioner and director of the Lung Health Services, and Collette Harrell, who is the director of the HEAP and Social Services Programs for The Breathing Association.

The Breathing Association has a rich history here in Central Ohio. We hear a detailed overview of how the agency began.

The Breathing Association began in 1906 with the onset of Tuberculosis, but it seems that The Breathing Association have filled a void in our community long since TB was “controlled”. The association wants to ensure we can all breathe easier.

The Breathing Association strives to educate the public on the issues affecting our community, such as smoking, air quality, energy needs, diseases like COPD, asthma, and other breathing disorders. The agency is rich in educational resources and services. Alisha gives us more detail about the “Lung Health Services” she manages.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their home energy bills. Colette directs HEAP and other social services. She gives us an overview of HEAP, other programs and how residents can utilize the services.

The agency is very active not only in educating the public and potential clients, but also educating decision-makers, government officials and others regarding air quality and environmental factors. Alicia talks about what is being addressed right now at the state government level, and how the association works with our representatives.

One other issue which has been prevalent in our community for decades is smoking. Ohio has continued to rate at unhealthy levels compared to the rest of the country – we do not seem to be able to “stop cold turkey”! The Breathing Association can help with their Quit For Good cessation Program and tips on how to quit.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.