Summer 2025

Breathe PA Recognizes Lung Health Heroes in Western Pennsylvania

Tools for Schools

As respiratory conditions continue to affect millions, the need for reliable education, support, and access to care has never been more critical. Breathe Pennsylvania remains a trusted resource across the region, delivering impactful programs in asthma management, COPD care, sleep apnea awareness, and tobacco cessation. From personalized education to community outreach, our work addresses the full spectrum of respiratory health, helping individuals breathe easier and live healthier. This year’s reach reflects more than just numbers — it represents lives improved, crises prevented, and communities empowered through education and advocacy. We’re proud of the progress — and even more committed to what’s next.



Young Voices, Big Message: Students Lead the Way on World No Tobacco Day

Society of General Internal Medicine

In May, Breathe PA’s Executive Director, Casey Monroe, facilitated a workshop at the Society of General Internal Medicine’s Annual Conference in Hollywood, Florida. In collaboration with several internal medicine physicians, Casey shared her expertise and passion for Performance Management. Performance management, annual reviews, and compensation transparency is a critical piece of Breathe PA’s success. Breathe PA is committed to maintaining its reputation of a competitive employer and highly productive workplace.



Lung Health Research Grant Awardees

Breathe PA awarded five location organizations and institutions with grants of up to $30,000 for clinical research or social innovations to support help western Pennsylvanians breathe better and live healthier. The clinical research track will concentrate on studying lung health to enhance medical knowledge and improve patient care and experiences. Meanwhile, the social innovations track will focus on creating and implementing new processes, ideas, or organizational models to address social issues and improve the well-being of patients with lung disease. 



Each year, Breathe PA issues a request for proposals (RFP) for the purpose of conducting research leading to improved care and outcomes for patients with lung disease. Funding is made available to individuals, groups, and institutions committed to improving health outcomes for individuals with lung and respiratory disease. Funding announcements are made annually in June. More information is available at https://www.breathepa.org/lung-health-grants.  

2025 Grantees:

At Breathe PA, we are seeing firsthand the urgent need to address the respiratory health of our residents. We believe that the grantees will make significant contributions to help change health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable residents in our region. Funding for these projects is available through Breathe PA.  



Breathe PA at the 36th Annual CPA Prevention Conference

Breathe Pennsylvania was proud to take part in one of the state’s most impactful prevention events of the year — the 36th Annual Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA) Conference held this June in State College, PA. 

Director of Programs Rebecca Kishlock, who also serves on the CPA Board of Directors, joined Tobacco Program staff Cat Aranda and Cortney Schrecengost to represent Breathe PA at the event. 

For over three decades, the CPA Conference has brought together prevention professionals from across Pennsylvania to share research, strategies, and best practices. This year’s theme, “Community Powered Prevention,” emphasized the importance of grassroots action, connection, and collaboration in addressing substance misuse and promoting mental health. 

Supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), the conference featured dynamic keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, and practical sessions focused on equity, communication, and innovative prevention tools. 

Our team returned energized and inspired, equipped with new ideas and meaningful connections to strengthen our prevention efforts across Western Pennsylvania. 

Thank you to CPA, DDAP, and all the dedicated professionals who make this important work possible — we’re proud to be part of a movement that continues to prioritize community health and prevention. 



Honoring Years of Leadership at Breathe PA

In June, Breathe PA bid farewell to four members of our Board of Directors as they retire 

from service: Dr. Bruce Bush, Donna Pike, Dr. Sally Wenzel, and Howison Schroeder. In the past, we’ve profiled some of these individuals to recognize their contributions to our mission. In this edition, we are pleased to introduce the first two retiring members and honor their leadership and commitment to lung health in our community. 

Dr. Sally Wenzel has served on the Breathe PA Board of Directors since 2008. She has served on several of the organization’s committees and has Chaired both the Medical Advisory Committee and the Planning Committees. She currently serves as the Rachel Carson Chair in Environmental Health, the Director of the University of Pittsburgh Asthma and Environmental Lung Health Institute at UPMC, and as a faculty member in the Environmental and Occupational Health, Medicine and Immunology at the School of Public Health. 

Dr. Wenzel has had a passion for understanding and improving the treatment of asthma, in particular severe asthma. She has worked to promote severe asthma as a disease whose pathogenesis goes beyond issues of non-compliance/adherence. Her studies of asthma phenotypes have led the field in understanding the complexities of asthma and she is internationally recognized for her efforts in this area.  



Her commitment to Breathe PA is immeasurable. Dr. Wenzel’s expertise in the asthma field has been essential to ensuring we are a mission-driven organization serving those who need us the most. Her legacy will continue to guide us as we move forward. The foundation she has helped to build is one that will support the future of this organization, and for that, we will be forever grateful. 

Howison Schroeder is the CEO, and co-founder at Neuro-Innovators, LLC (NIV). He is a neuroscience business veteran with over 30 years of leadership experience in banking, manufacturing, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. His tenure on the Board of Directors at Breathe PA dates back to 2006. Howison has served on several committees including the Strategic Planning Committee in 2022 and most recently Chaired the Search Committee to hire Breathe PA’s Executive Director, Casey Monroe.  

Howison’s support of Breathe PA cannot be quantified and we are grateful to for his commitment to the organization’s growth and future endeavors!  



Dr. Bruce Bush, Dr. Sally Wenzel, Howison Schroeder, and Donna Pike, we are deeply grateful for your remarkable service. Your wisdom, guidance, and tireless efforts have shaped the direction of our organization in ways we will continue to feel for many years to come. 



When the Heat Rises: Managing Lung Disease During the Summer Months by Kristy Steele, BS, RRT, CTTS

Summer heat brings longer days, outdoor activities, and extra challenges for individuals living with chronic lung conditions like COPD, asthma, and other respiratory diseases. As temperatures rise, so do the risks of symptom flare-ups, making it important to adjust daily routines and prevention strategies during the warmer months. 

High heat and humidity can exacerbate airway inflammation, trigger bronchospasms, and exacerbate breathing difficulties for many individuals with lung disease. Individuals may notice more frequent coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath during hot, humid, or high-pollution days. Dehydration also becomes more likely in the summer, which can lead to thicker mucus and make it harder to breathe clearly. 

Air pollution is another concern. Ozone levels and other pollutants tend to spike during the summer, especially in urban areas. For people with asthma or COPD, these environmental triggers can quickly lead to worsening symptoms or the need for medical attention. 

Recommendations for Managing Lung Health in the Summer: 

• Avoid outdoor activity during extreme heat or poor air quality alerts — especially during midday and early afternoon hours. 
• Use air conditioning or fans to keep indoor spaces cool and well-ventilated. 
• Monitor fluid intake to prevent dehydration and support healthy airway clearance. 
• Follow asthma or COPD action plans, including peak flow monitoring if recommended. 
• Use prescribed medications as directed, including inhalers, nebulizers, or maintenance therapies. 

Patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers should work together to plan ahead, adjust medications if necessary, and respond promptly to early signs of exacerbation. 

Whether managing asthma, COPD, or another respiratory condition, taking a proactive approach during the summer months can help maintain better breathing, reduce complications, and support overall well-being. 



Legislative Meetings

Throughout the Spring of 2025, Breathe PA met with dozens of elected officials to discuss our work with legislators within the region. Casey Monroe and Rebecca Kishlock met with legislators both in person and virtually to share wins and challenges for the organization. This was a great opportunity to advocate for our patients, additional funding for programs, and gain greater visibility for the organization.  



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