February 2025

MARC MY WORDS: Thoughts on Health Equity this Black History Month

With February being Black History Month it’s undoubtedly a time to reflect on the resilience, resounding achievements, and real challenges of African Americans throughout history. At Breathe Southern California, we also recognize that health disparities continue to disproportionately affect Black communities—especially when it comes to lung health.

African Americans in Southern California face higher rates of lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory diseases due to a combination of environmental, socioeconomic, and systemic factors. Studies show that Black individuals are more likely to live in areas with high air pollution, increasing their risk of developing chronic lung conditions. Furthermore, despite similar smoking rates, African Americans are often diagnosed with lung cancer at later stages, leading to them experiencing worse outcomes than other racial groups.

The impact on children is particularly alarming. Black children are twice as likely to be hospitalized for asthma and are more likely to experience severe complications. According to the U.S Department

of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, in 2021, the asthma mortality rate for Black children was almost eight times higher than that of non-Hispanic white children.⁵ These are not just statistics—they are urgent calls for awareness, advocacy, and action

It’s something we can’t turn away from and something we must continually highlight as we serve all of Southern California’s communities. Limited access to healthcare, exposure to air pollution from highways and industrial areas, and housing conditions contribute to these disparities. But there is hope.

To truly serve underserved communities, we must push for stronger policies that address environmental injustices, expand healthcare access, and educate families on lung disease prevention and treatment. Breathe Southern California is committed to advancing lung health equity by providing educational programs, advocating for clean air policies, and helping those with asthma via our Breathe Easier Asthma Management (BEAM), Lung Power, and other programs to reduce these disparities

This Black History Month, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for health equity for all. Join us in raising awareness, advocating for cleaner air, and ensuring that all communities—regardless of race or socioeconomic status—have the right to breathe clean, healthy air. 

Get involved today! Support our efforts by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word about Breathe Southern California.

Visit www.breathesocal.org to learn more.

Together, I know we can make a lasting impact. 

In health,

Marc Carrel

President & CEO

Opportunities to Participate and Create Change!

Join us for a special volunteer event where we’ll work to beautify the school grounds by planting native plants, creating a vibrant and welcoming space for students and the surrounding community.

Activities include:Planting native plants along the side of the school Improving the environment for the school community. Brightening up an area that needs some love and care!

🌱 Get your hands dirty for a cleaner, greener future!

🌿 Join us at Soto St. Elementary School on Feb 22nd (Sat) from 9 AM - 12 PM to help build planter boxes and beautify the campus! 🌼✨

💚 Community volunteers of all ages are welcome. Clean air starts with green spaces! 🌎💨

📍 1020 S Soto St, Los Angeles, CA 90023

Slam Dunk Anyone?

For Updates on All things Lung Health and Air Quality Follow Us!