The American Lung Association’s newly released 2022 “State of the Air” Report lists the San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland metro area as being among the top 5 most polluted in the nation with regard to short-term (daily spikes) and long-term (year-round) particle pollution. The report states that almost 9 million more people were impacted by particle pollution than last year, and that more “very unhealthy” or “hazardous” air quality days occurred than in the last twenty years. Air pollution can lead to the onset of asthma, decreased lung function, heart disease complications, cancer, and even death. Efforts to reduce environmental impacts and improve air quality have been offset by recent hotter and drier conditions brought on by climate change.
For decades, Breathe California has successfully advocated on local and state levels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Silicon Valley Clean Cities Coalition, coordinated by Breathe California, works to reduce fossil fuel consumption, to support alternative fuel and clean technology to improve air quality and make it safer for all of us to breathe. We invite you to attend our 4thAnnual Ride-and-Drive event in San Jose this fall (TBA), where you can test drive electric and alternatively fueled vehicles yourself.
VTA Ends COVID-19 Masking Requirement
Joining other agencies in following new federal and state policies, Silicon Valley’s Valley Transit Authority announced that masks will no longer be required on its buses and light rail trains as of April 20th. While there may be a sense of relief at the raising of restrictions, risks still exist. New COVID-19 variants will continue to appear. Vulnerable groups who rely on public transportation will be put in danger. Will you know if the un-masked person next to has been vaccinated? You are still encouraged to wear a mask to protect yourself and those around you. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” Learn more.
Youth, POC & LGBTQ+, Big Tobacco Wants YOU!
As part of a Capstone Project for her degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services at California State University, Monterey Bay, Breathe California Intern Tucosha Lopez has created a video about the direct, disproportionate, and historic targeting of youth, POC (People of Color), and LGBTQ+ communities by Big Tobacco. Guest speakers also discuss the warning signs of youth addiction, tobacco cessation, and Breathe California's long history of tobacco control programs and advocacy. Please enjoy this educational video and respond to a short survey afterwards. Watch the video.
Can "The COPD Caregiver's Toolkit" Help You?
Caring for a person with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be complicated. This toolkit – brought to you by our Breathe America ally, the Respiratory Health Association and our partners at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – is designed to support caregivers like you. It answers five questions most COPD caregivers face at some point in their experience. You’ll also find some useful forms and checklists to help you prepare for doctor visits, track medications and vaccinations, develop a helpful contact list, and more. View the Toolkit online.
How do you use your electricity?
We’re all different and how we use electricity at home is different too… In just five minutes, you can figure out if you’re on the best Pacific Gas & Electric rate plan to save you money. You can help your pocketbook AND the environment. Visit pge.com/ratechoices to learn more.
COVID-19 vaccinations save lives. We strongly encourage all our supporters to get vaccinated at your earliest opportunity.
