Summer 2026

Neighborhood Resilience Project Partnership

Breathe PA is excited to announce a new partnership with the Neighborhood Resilience Project's Free Health Center. Lung Health Program Manager, Kristy Steele and Sleep Apnea Program Manager, Tracy Matanzo recently met with staff, including two volunteer physicians, to introduce Breathe PA's programs and services and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The Free Health Center provides no-cost primary care, behavioral health, and dental services to uninsured individuals through dedicated volunteer clinicians.

Sleep Apnea Program Manager, Tracy Matanzo

The team was enthusiastic about Breathe PA's mission and plans to begin referring patients to our programs right away. We look forward to working together to connect more individuals with the education, resources, and support they need to breathe better and live healthier.

Tools For Families

Families gathered at the Family Care Connection Center in Penn Hills for a Tools for Families asthma education event presented in partnership with Breathe PA and the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.



Breathe PA's Asthma Program Manager, Jessica Schuman, discussed asthma triggers, early warning signs, medications, and asthma management strategies while answering questions and providing individualized guidance.

Asthma Program Manager, Jessica Schuman

Participant blowing bubbles

Each participating family received a student asthma kit to support continued learning and self-management at home.



The program also included interactive, hands-on activities that allowed families to practice proper spacer technique and pursed-lip belly breathing through bubble-blowing exercises. By combining education with skill-building activities, the event helped families build confidence in recognizing asthma symptoms, using medications correctly, and managing asthma more effectively at home.

Breathe PA Brings Tobacco Prevention Education to Philadelphia Schools

As Breathe PA continues to expand its tobacco and nicotine prevention efforts across Pennsylvania, Tobacco Program Manager Cat Aranda traveled to Philadelphia in May to strengthen partnerships and provide education in schools throughout the region. During the visit, she delivered tobacco and nicotine prevention education to more than 250 students at Filter Academics Plus School and Freire Charter Middle School.

Tobacco Program Manager, Cat Aranda

Cat also visited Pan American Academy Charter School, one of Breathe PA's Smokeless Saturday partner schools, to deliver Safe Vape Confiscation & Disposal Kits. These resources help schools safely manage confiscated vaping devices while supporting comprehensive prevention and education efforts.



By expanding partnerships and services throughout the state, Breathe PA continues to increase access to evidence-based tobacco and nicotine prevention programs, practical resources, and support that help schools create healthier learning environments for students.

Register Now - School Asthma Initiative

Family Day at the Zoo

Participants in Breathe PA's School Asthma Initiative and their families are invited to join us for a fun-filled day at the Pittsburgh Zoo at 10:30 a.m. on August 1, 2026! Families will receive two complimentary zoo tickets, a provided lunch, animal visits, and activities for all ages!

This special event is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, connect with other families, and enjoy a day of fun at the zoo. Be sure to register by Friday, July 17 by emailing Program Associate, Tori Amsler at tamsler@breathepa.org. We hope you'll join us!

Breathe PA Recognized as Pittsburgh Pirates

Non Profit of the Game

Breathe PA was honored to be recognized as the Pittsburgh Pirates' Nonprofit of the Game during the Pirates game on Thursday, July 9.

Throughout the game, our team welcomed fans at a giveaway table on the riverwalk, where we shared Breathe PA swag and connected with members of the community. We were also featured on the jumbotron, making it a memorable day of celebrating our mission and raising awareness about lung health.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table and helped make the day such a success! Go Pirates!

Asthma Program Manager, Jessica Schuman and External Affairs Manager, Rebecca Valencia

Breathe PA at the PSRC Western Conference

Lung Health Program Manager, Kristy Steele and Tobacco Program Manager, Cat Aranda

Breathe PA at the Allegheny County Health Department Poster Session

Breathe PA participated in the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) Partner Showcase, an event highlighting the work of organizations and community partners dedicated to improving public health throughout Allegheny County.



The showcase featured two Breathe PA posters highlighting the School Asthma Initiative (SAI) and Smokeless Saturday. The School Asthma Initiative poster highlighted how the program equips students, families, school nurses, and educators with the knowledge and tools to better manage childhood asthma through education, training, and evidence-based resources.

Health Educator, Cortney Schrecengost, Tobacco Program Manager, Cat Aranda, Director of Programs, Rebecca Kishlock, Program Associate, Tori Amsler, and Asthma Program Manager, Jessica Schuman

The Smokeless Saturday poster showcased Breathe PA's virtual youth diversion program, which provides tobacco and nicotine education and cessation support as an alternative to suspension for students who violate school tobacco and nicotine policies.



Together, the posters demonstrated how Breathe PA's programs are improving asthma self-management, supporting school health professionals, and helping youth build the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about tobacco and nicotine use.

Breathe PA and West Penn Hospital's

Pulmonary Rehab Lunch and Learn

Patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals came together in June for the Living Well with Lung Disease Luncheon, a collaborative event hosted by Breathe PA and West Penn Hospital. The luncheon provided an opportunity for attendees to connect, learn, and explore resources that support living well with chronic lung disease.

Rather than a traditional lecture-style program, the event featured interactive education stations where attendees could speak directly with Breathe PA staff, West Penn Hospital representatives, and community partners, ask questions, and receive individualized education on topics related to lung health, disease management, and available support services. 

Participants playing Bingo

The format encouraged meaningful conversations and allowed participants to engage with the information most relevant to their needs. Attendees also enjoyed lunch together and participated in Bingo, adding an interactive element to the afternoon while creating opportunities for conversation and connection. The event demonstrated how a relaxed, interactive setting can enhance patient education while connecting individuals with practical resources and support for managing chronic lung disease.

Asthma & Youth - What You Need to Know Video

At Breathe PA, we believe every child deserves to breathe easier and thrive at school. The video below highlights the importance of asthma education, symptom recognition, trigger management, and strong communication between families, schools, and healthcare providers.

Learn about common asthma symptoms and triggers, the role of controller and rescue medications, and how schools can help support students with asthma throughout the day. The video also discusses Breathe PA’s School Asthma Initiative (SAI), a program designed to help students better understand and manage their asthma while building confidence and independence.

With the right support and education, children with asthma can stay healthy, active, and ready to learn.

Breathe PA Published in TribLIVE

Breathe PA’s Letter to the Editor was published on Trib Total Media! “Asthma Is Often Treated, Not Managed,” highlights the urgent need for better asthma education, prevention, and long-term management, especially for children and families across western Pennsylvania. The message reinforces the importance of empowering patients with the tools and support they need to breathe easier and live healthier lives.

We’re proud to see Breathe PA’s mission and advocacy represented in the community conversation.

Click here to read the full letter.

Welcome Our New Board Members

Tammy Harper, SCP

Tammy Harper is a Chief Human Resources Officer and the founder of TRNSFRMX HR, where she works as an Executive Consultant helping organizations put people first. Over her career, she's earned multiple top-tier industry awards for her work in HR leadership and organizational strategy.

She holds a BA in Psychology and Economics from Rutgers University, is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SCP), and a Six Sigma Green Belt. Tammy is an active member of the Forbes Human Resources Council and the Society for Human Resource Management.

Tammy's connection to Breathe PA's mission is personal and close to her heart. She has watched loved ones - including her father-in-law and dear friends - face stage 4 lung cancer, and she has seen up close how much these illnesses ask of the people living through them and the families and friends standing beside them. That experience is a big part of why she's committed to this cause, and why she's honored to bring her voice and expertise to Breathe PA's board.

Kathryn Heffernan

Kathryn Heffernan is a senior director of strategic product management, Digital Solutions, at UPMC Enterprises. In her role, she focuses primarily on diligence, portfolio company support, and partnership with UPMC stakeholders to bring interesting technologies to support patients

Prior to joining UPMC, Kathryn worked at the Pittsburgh Public Schools, redesigning evaluation systems for district professionals as part of a $40 million Gates Foundation grant. Kathryn also held fundraising and communications roles at local nonprofits. 

Kathryn holds an MBA from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University; an MSPPM in Health Policy from the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy; and a BA from Wellesley College.

She has dedicated her career to working with organizations that support children, improve healthcare, and raise the quality of life for residents of our community. She is excited to join the Breathe PA board to continue that work and support the organization in advancing its mission.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming 2026 events. Registration information coming soon!

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