Lung Health Awareness

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Kentucky has long been known for its struggles with tobacco use and lung cancer.

Pneumonia, which often starts as the flu, is a leading cause of death in the state, claiming the lives of more than 900 Kentuckians each year. Now, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe lung complications that can result from the coronavirus, improving Kentuckians’ lung health has never been more important.

Lung Health & Racial Disparities

 
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  • Black men are 50% more likely to get lung cancer, and Black Americans are half as likely to get vaccinated against pneumonia and the flu.

  • Hispanic children are twice as likely to die from asthma compared to non-Hispanic children.

  • A disproportionate number of Kentuckians who die from lung cancer reside in rural and medically underserved areas.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted minority populations, with Black Kentuckians accounting for 12% of the state’s COVID-19 deaths despite making up 8% of the state’s population.

  • Roughly 30% of Black patients were hospitalized from COVID-19 complications, compared to 13% of white patients.

  • We have also seen racial disparities among Kentuckians getting the COVID-19 vaccine, with only 1% of Hispanic Kentuckians receiving a dose of the vaccine.

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Our Goal

Breathe Better Kentucky is focused on bringing awareness to lung health overall and the disparities that exist within our communities today.

By recognizing these gaps, we can better address the problems leading to poor lung health and negative health outcomes across the state.

Healthier Lungs, Healthier Kentucky