Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Nearly 16 million people in the U.S. and almost 1.4 million in California are living with COPD today, with many still undiagnosed. While there is no cure for this serious lung disease, it can be managed with respiratory therapy and medications. Tobacco use is recognized as the leading cause of COPD and quitting now can be the best way to avoid it.

The Great American Smokeout (GAS) is an annual event that encourages people to use the date to initiate a smoking/vaping cessation plan. Breathe California participated in several GAS events in Bay Area communities, sharing materials, handing out "quit kits", and providing a safe space and advice to help attendees and their loved ones stop smoking. Visit our tobacco control resources page for information about quitting.

The COVID vaccine authorized in September offers the best protection against the types of COVID spreading today. Those 6 months and older should get an updated COVID vaccine and flu shot. Infants and those who are pregnant should get an immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well.

If you HAVE health insurance, you can get shots from your doctor or local pharmacy. If you do NOT have health insurance, you can visit the website of your county’s Department of Public Health to learn more. Here is a link to information from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. Please protect yourself and your family by getting your vaccinations soon!

Did you know that 90% of sleep apnea patients in the U.S. are undiagnosed? Sleep apnea happens when airways become blocked while a person sleeps, reducing or stopping airflow. Symptoms include sleepless nights, fatigue, headaches, and higher risk for heart attack or stroke. Our friends at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) have funded research resulting in ANNE® Sleep, an easy-to-use device that can help diagnose sleep apnea at home. Learn more about sleep apnea and the device here.

If you live in the Bay Area and have a prescription for a CPAP or BiPAP machine but can’t afford one, our Sleep Safe program may help you get one at a much lower cost.

In October, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the Clorox Company in Oakland one of the 2023 winners for their EcoClean™ Disinfecting Cleaner. All winners designed chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation and use of hazardous substances, promoting healthier environments. Learn more.

Randy Uang, former Breathe California staff member, helped teens reduce or quit nicotine use after the drastic rise of youth tobacco use in California starting in 2016 when Juul began advertising their candy-flavored vapes. Today he continues to volunteer, helping with tobacco control efforts in the Santa Cruz area and beyond, focusing on drifting secondhand smoke in outdoor dining areas as well as tobacco litter. Watch now: https://bit.ly/BreatheTV.

Get up to $4,000 back on a

Pre-Owned Electric Vehicle

Based on your household income, you may eligible for a rebate for up to $4,000 from PG&E. How does it work?

• Purchase or lease an eligible pre-owned EV
• Submit an application within 180 days
• If eligible, receive Standard $1,000 rebate
• Eligible Rebate Plus applicants will receive a $4,000 total rebate

Learn about this amazing rebate - It's good for you AND for the environment!