Breathe California of the Bay Area

Through a wide range of local programs and services, we are committed to fighting lung disease in all its forms and working with our communities to promote lung health.

How do you help people in my community?

As a locally-independent, grassroots organization, our goal has always been to ensure that the place we call home is among the healthiest areas in the country. That’s why we are proud to say that 100% of all donations made to Breathe California remain right here in your local communities. As a result, we can offer a host of truly local services to residents in Santa Clara, Alameda and San Benito Counties:

-Tobacco education workshops in our schools
-Asthma management classes for local kids
-Lung disease support groups throughout the area
-Quit-smoking classes at various community locations
-Indoor air quality assessments at local residences
-Asthma screenings and health information at community fairs and events
-Live telephone assistance and information referral for lung disease patients

At Breathe California, we pledge to remain completely focused on the most pressing lung health issues facing our community. So, you can rest assured that your support will help friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers all breathe easier.

Why do you need my support?

Unfortunately, our work is far from done: lung disease remains one of the fastest growing diseases in the country; a decades-long drop in smoking rates has stalled; asthma remains way too prevalent among kids; TB remains an ever-present threat in the Bay Area; and the danger posed by air pollution and global warming has never been clearer.

To confront these threats to lung health, we need the support of local residents like you. Without the generosity of individual donors, we would not be able to bring key health programs to your community. And even small gifts can go a long way to promoting healthier communities:

 -A $1 donation will provide motivational literature to help a smoker start the path to quitting.
 -A $3 donation will cover supplies for an individual to be screened for asthma.
 -A $5 donation will purchase a workbook for students learning about global warming through our Youth for a Cool Earth project.
 -A $10 donation will pay for training for a volunteer to give TB talks at ESL classes.
 -A $20 donation will fund a support group meeting for seniors living with lung disease.
 -A $50 donation will pay for an on-site lung disease training for school nurses & health clerks.
 -A $150 donation will pay for a child with asthma to attend our educational summer camp.
 -A $300 donation will cover the cost of bringing a 4-session, teen-smoking cessation class to a local high school.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

Breathe California works very hard to put your hard-earned dollars to good use. We are governed by a local Board of Directors who ensure that we are extremely conscious of how we spend our revenue.

We are proud to report that over the past three years, more than 88% of our expenses were spent on our wide array of educational programs, advocacy projects and patient support services. That means less than 1/8 of the money we receive goes toward administrative and fundraising expenses. We also utilize in-kind donations to avoid unnecessary expenses and hundreds of volunteers to assist our paid staff. As a green business, we can keep our energy and operating expenses as low as possible, while also reducing our own carbon footprint. Furthermore, we always publish an Annual Report and mail copies to our donors, so that you know exactly how your generous contributions are spent.

Can I Volunteer? How?

As the valley’s oldest voluntary health organization, Breathe California of the Bay Area is fueled by the efforts of local volunteers. They can serve on our Board of Directors, deliver services as a health educator, or just help out around the office or at one of our fundraising events. Without the contributions of the 400+ people who donate their time each year, Breathe California would not be the dynamic grassroots organization that it is today. All you need is a passion for serving your community and promoting public health. Call us today at (408) 998-5865 to learn how you can become involved!