American Lung Association of Washington.

Founded in 1906 as the Washington Association for the Prevention and Relief of Tuberculosis, the American Lung Association of Washington continues to promote respiratory health through advocacy, education, community service, and support of research.

The original purpose of the Association had been to raise awareness about the causes and treatment of tuberculosis (a leading cause of death at the time), to construct institutions for the purposes of treating tuberculosis, and to promote the formation of local associations at the county level. These leagues promoted awareness and treatment of tuberculosis by the use of traveling clinics, the development of nursing and public health programs, the sale of Christmas Seals, the placement of exhibits and booths at county and state fairs, and the construction of sanatoriums across the state. In 1909, the King County League began its fight against tuberculosis by employing nurses to survey the community, which resulted in the decision to build a sanatorium. By 1911, the League had founded the Henry Sanatorium, which was renamed Firland Sanatorium the following year. The City of Seattle operated Firland until 1946, when control was transferred to King County; the sanatorium treated patients until 1973. During this period, the statewide Association underwent several name changes; Washington Tuberculosis Association (1919) and Washington Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease Association (1971). By 1973, it had combined with the many county leagues and associations to form the Washington Lung Association, focusing more intensely on advocacy and activism. In 1981, the organization's name changed to the American Lung Association of Washington.

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