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On Tuesday, The Breathing Association hosted a ribbon cutting celebration at our new building located at 741 East Broad Street. The momentous occasion marked not only our relocation, but our nearly 120 years of service to the community. The event was made possible by generous sponsorships from Behal Law Group and AndHealth.

The celebration began with opening remarks from President & CEO, Lori Sontag as well as Chairman of the Board, Edward Frantz. Ohio State Representative Dontavius Jarrells joined them to share his sentiments on the profound services that The Breathing Association provides to the community.  Ohio State Senator Hearcal Craig was unable to attend but sent kind remarks to be shared on his behalf, “…Today, as we cut this ribbon, we are not just opening a new building; we are opening the doors to new opportunities, new hope, and a brighter, healthier future for Columbus…”. A blessing of the occasion was given by Pastor Amy Miracle, of the Broad Street Presbyterian Church, and a reflective moment on the rich history was shared by long time former Board Member, Robert Behal. The celebration continued with a presentation of the Carrie Nelson Black Stewardship Award to Jim Havens of Havens Limited, for his outstanding support making ou relocation to the new facility possible.

The ribbon was cut, and guests were given a full tour of the new facility, seeing our full vision of the next 120 years of service to Central Ohioans. The event was attended by partners, sponsors, board members, community neighbors, a Columbus City Council Member, and friends of The Breathing Association. The celebration was also the official kickoff of the 2024 Breathe Strong, Live Long Capital Campaign that will raise $1.5 Million for the renovations and repairs to the building.

Strategically located on East Broad Street, the new facility provides ample space to accommodate our rapid growth and better serve the community’s needs. With an emphasis on accessibility, the relocation ensures that patients can easily access the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center for essential post-hospitalization care. By expanding medical facilities, including exam rooms and mobile diagnostic capabilities, The Breathing Association aims to enhance patient care and reduce hospital readmissions, ultimately lowering healthcare costs. To showcase our legacy in the community, we now have The Carrie Nelson Black Library, with historical books, keepsakes and photographs to share with guests.

Additionally, the new location will enable the organization to expand its outreach efforts, particularly in tobacco cessation and education through the Tobacco Treatment Center of Ohio. Moreover, increased capacity for the Ohio Department of Development Household Energy Assistance Program will facilitate smoother operations and better support for families facing utility burdens.

Volunteers are the heart of every nonprofit organization, and the relocation and renovations would not have gone as smoothly as they have without a dedicated team of volunteers lending time and talents. Leadership, staff and family have given countless hours of their time to make the new location a new home for The Breathing Association.

Since its founding in 1906 by Carrie Nelson Black during the Tuberculosis epidemic, The Breathing Association has been a cornerstone of charitable healthcare in Central Ohio. With a legacy of providing free healthcare services and extensive programs in lung health, nicotine cessation, and community assistance, the organization remains committed to improving lives for the next 120 years and beyond.

“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone in our organization’s history and look forward to continuing our mission of promoting lung health and wellness in Central Ohio,” said Lori Sontag, President & CEO of The Breathing Association.

June 25^th, 2024 at 2pm-4pm

Columbus, OH – The Breathing Association will celebrate the grand opening of our new facility at 741 East Broad Street with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25th at 2pm. This momentous occasion marks not only the our relocation but also nearly 120 years of service to the community.

The event is made possible through generous sponsorships from Encova Insurance and AndHealth.

Our celebration will be attended by over 300 esteemed guests including partners, sponsors, friends, and government officials from the city, county, and state levels. Confirmed speakers include CEO Lori Sontag, and Board Chair Ed Frantz, who will share opening remarks, as well as other special guests. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the new facility guided by our leadership team.

Strategically located on East Broad Street, our new facility provides ample space to accommodate our rapid growth and to better serve the community’s needs. With an emphasis on accessibility, the relocation ensures that patients can easily access the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center for essential post-hospitalization care. By expanding medical facilities, including exam rooms and mobile diagnostic capabilities, The Breathing Association aims to enhance patient care and reduce hospital readmissions, ultimately lowering healthcare costs.

Additionally, our new location will enable the organization to expand  outreach efforts, particularly in tobacco cessation and education through the Tobacco Treatment Center of Ohio. Moreover, increased capacity for the Ohio Department of Development Household Energy Assistance Program will facilitate smoother operations and better support for families facing utility burdens.

Since its founding in 1906 by Carrie Nelson Black during the Tuberculosis epidemic, The Breathing Association has been a cornerstone of charitable healthcare in Central Ohio. With a legacy of providing free healthcare services and extensive programs in lung health, nicotine cessation, and community assistance, the organization remains committed to improving lives for the next 120 years and beyond.

“We are delighted to celebrate this milestone in our organization’s history and look forward to continuing our mission of promoting lung health and wellness in Central Ohio,” said Lori Sontag, President & CEO of The Breathing Association.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Jennifer Burroway
Director of Development & Marketing
The Breathing Association
Email: jennifer.burroway@breathingassociation.org

A historic Near East Side building has a new owner.

The Breathing Association plans to move to the building at 741 E. Broad St. in July. Jim Havens, principal at Havens Limited, bought the building for the nonprofit, and the organization is leasing it from him with the option to eventually buy it, CEO Lori Sontag said.

The building was put on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1980s.

The 117-year-old Breathing Association was founded during the tuberculosis outbreak in the 19th century. The nonprofit is the oldest free clinic in Ohio, and serves anyone with any lung health condition, including cessation from smoking or vaping, Sontag told me.

The Breathing Association also helps Central Ohioans with utility bills. In 2023, the organization helped more than 40,000 with their utilities.

The organization is funded mostly by donations and grants, said Jennifer Burroway, director of development for the Breathing Association.

Havens bought the Broad Street building for about $1 million. The Breathing Association is making some improvements to the inside of the building, built in 1942, which will cost another $5oo,ooo, Sontag said. Wellogy, a Dublin-based architect that specializes in healthcare design, is designing the modifications.

Moving the nonprofit to Broad Street will allow the Breathing Association to grow. It’s currently located on the first floor of the Columbus Urban League building on the Near East Side.

“Over the last two years, our growth caused us to need more space,” Sontag said. “We’ve seen that the demand is there; we think we’ll see more growth, especially in our clinic.”

The new building will allow the nonprofit to expand the clinic to treat broader health and wellness issues, Burroway said. The new location also has room for the Breathing Association to start a pulmonary rehabilitation center.

“We’re needed in the community,” Sontag said. “Without us, there would be a heavier burden on our area medical systems or people would have high medical bills that they never pay off.”

Netcare Access, a mental health clinic, previously owned the building.

Mike Simpson and Andrew Green of NAI Ohio Equities represented the seller in this deal.

Embark on a journey to a smoke-free life with a SMART Quit Plan. Although not the only factors, these are the key to help you with quitting.

🔑 Strategy is the key to success! 💡 Medication + counseling is proven, but tailor it to your personality and behaviors. 🔄 Whether you thrive in groups 👥 or prefer solo learning from books 📚, there’s a method for you!

🔥 Motivation Check: Assess your drive to quit. The higher the motivation, the stronger the quit attempt! 📈

🔍 Awareness is Key: Identify triggers – the who, what, where, and why. Understand behaviors, places, people, and emotions that fuel the habit. 🧠

✍️ Reasons Matter: Pen down YOUR reasons to quit. Personal motivations trump external pressures. Do it for yourself, for health, for the freedom! 🌈

⏰ Time and Telling: Don’t just quit, plan to quit! Set a quit date and prepare for the before, day of, and after. 🗓️ Share your journey with others for built-in support! 👭👬

Remember, success is not by chance, it’s by choice! 💫 #QuitSmoking #HealthyChoices #LifestyleChange”

Smoking cessation is a challenging but essential journey for those looking to improve their health and well-being. While quitting “cold turkey” works for some, others may find success through a more gradual approach known as tapering off cigarettes. In this article, we will explore the evidence behind tapering off cigarettes, various methods individuals can use, and tips to make the process more manageable.

Why consider tapering off slowly:

• Reduction in withdrawal symptoms:
  • Research suggests that tapering off cigarettes can lead to milder withdrawal symptoms compared to quitting abruptly. Gradual reduction helps the body adjust to decreasing nicotine levels, making the process less daunting.
• Increased success rates:
  • Studies have shown that individuals who gradually reduce their cigarette intake may have higher success rates in quitting smoking in the long term. Tapering off allows smokers to adjust both physically and mentally, increasing the likelihood of sustained abstinence.

What are ways to taper off cigarettes:

• Set Realistic Goals:
  • Establish a realistic and achievable reduction plan. For example, aim to smoke one less cigarette per day every week until you reach your goal.
• Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT):
  • Consider incorporating nicotine replacement products like patches, gum, or lozenges. These products can help manage withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to reduce cigarette consumption gradually.
• Identify Triggers:
  • Recognize and address situations that trigger the urge to smoke. Whether it’s stress, social situations, or certain activities, finding alternative coping mechanisms is crucial for successful tapering.
• Switching Brands:
  • Some individuals find success in tapering off by switching to cigarettes with lower nicotine content. This can be a steppingstone toward eventually quitting altogether.

Tips for Successful Tapering:

• Stay Consistent:
  • Consistency is key when tapering off cigarettes. Stick to your reduction plan and monitor your progress regularly.
• Reward Yourself:
  • Celebrate milestones with non-smoking-related rewards. Positive reinforcement can help reinforce your commitment to tapering off.
• Seek Support:
  • Inform friends and family about your decision to taper off cigarettes. Having a support system can provide encouragement and understanding during challenging moments.
• Stay Active:
  • Participate in physical activities to distract yourself from cravings and boost your overall well-being. Exercise can also help manage stress, a common trigger for smoking.
• Professional Guidance:
  • Consider seeking assistance from healthcare professionals or smoking cessation programs. They can provide personalized advice, support, and even prescribe medications to aid in the tapering-off process.

Tapering off cigarettes is a possible and evidence-backed method for individuals looking to quit smoking. Remember, each step toward reducing cigarette intake is a step toward a healthier, smoke-free future.

Teen vaping is a problem. We have the tools to help you create a solution.

Are you a concerned parent? A teacher, coach or youth organization leader? Below, you can download the tools you need to succeed.

• The Facts and Myths of Vaping
• Signs of Vaping
• Tips for Talking to Teens
• Recommendations for Schools
• Organizing a Community Forum or Awareness Campaign
• Action Plans
• Resources for more

How Can You Help?

This past year, The Breathing Association has experienced a rapid rate of growth. As the needs of our community increase to care for our most vulnerable populations of Central Ohio, the need for diagnostic tools increases as well.

By having a range of point-of-care testing equipment, The Breathing Association Lung Health Clinic will significantly improve the diagnostic capabilities and provide timely assessments to inform treatment decisions. These items will enable our clinicians to conduct on-site testing, ensuring convenient and efficient evaluation of various health parameters. The list of essential point-of-care machines that are needed include:

• Hematology Analyzer for rapid assessment of low blood count, bleeding risk, and possible infections
• Glucose Meter for an assessment of blood sugar levels within the last 90 days and diabetes risk
• Rapid Strep Test for determination of infection for Strep A or B
• Rapid Influenza Test for determination of an infection from Influenza A or B
• Urinalysis Analyzer for assessments of kidney function and possible infections
• Point-of-Care Chemistry Analyzer for assessment of body electrolytes and organ function
• Cholesterol Analyzer for assessment of cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk
• Pulmonary Function Test to measure a patient’s lung capacity
• Portable Digital X-Ray Machine for diagnosing lung diseases including TB and pneumonia.

By incorporating these machines into the clinical workflow, our clinic team will be able to perform comprehensive and rapid assessments, enabling prompt diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and improved management of pulmonary conditions.

Nicotine addiction and mental health problems often go hand-in-hand. Nicotine acts on the brain and can change mood, thinking, and behavior. Over time, the brain gets used to nicotine and needs it to feel normal. When someone tries to quit nicotine, they can feel anxious, sad, crabby, and have trouble focusing. This can make any mental health problems worse. 

Research shows that people with conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are more likely to smoke and get addicted to nicotine. 

• People with mental health conditions smoke about 1 in 3 of all cigarettes smoked by adults (CDC)  
• Adults with mental illness smoke nearly 40% of all cigarettes in the United States (American Lung Association):   
• Individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders (depression or bipolar disorder) are 2-3 times as likely to be current smokers than individuals without mental health disorders (American Psychiatric Association).   
• Smoking rates are 3-4 times higher among those with schizophrenia compared to the general population (National Institute of Mental Health)  

Don’t think that vaping is a healthier option. There is emerging research on the connections between mental health and vaping: 

• The rates of teen vaping are 2-3 times higher among those with mental health disorders (NIDA) 
• Analysis of a national survey showed that adults who vape regularly are about twice as likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions compared to non-vapers (Truth Initiative). 
• For those already struggling with mental health disorders, vaping may exacerbate symptoms just like traditional cigarette smoking (CDC). 

• With more research emerging, experts theorize that high nicotine concentrations in some vape juices may negatively impact mental health, especially in teens whose brains are still developing (CDC). 

Sadly, there are a few reasons for this: 

• Nicotine may help some mental health symptoms feel better for a short time. But it does not treat the actual problem. 
• Mental health issues can make it hard to control urges and quit smoking. 

• Smoking may be more accepted around psychiatric patients and healthcare providers. This reinforces the habit. 
• Some mental health medications and nicotine do not mix well. This can make quitting harder. 
• Genes and environment may play a role in both mental illness and smoking. 

Quitting smoking can improve mental health over time. Withdrawal goes away after a few weeks. Brain receptors become more responsive, easing anxiety and depression. Quitting also eliminates smoking health risks like cancer. 

People with mental illness who smoke can use nicotine gum, patches, sprays to manage withdrawal. In fact, nicotine replacement therapy, though not risk-free, is safer than smoking. Research shows that they can double the chances of successfully quitting, regardless of mental health status (Cochrane Review). Combine these treatment options with professional support, like that at The Breathing Association, and a personal drive, even those with mental illness can quit smoking or vaping and gain the mental benefits.