Lung association, Laura Dern, CVS raising COVID-19 funds

The American Lung Association is taking action to address the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare the nation for future respiratory diseases, working with award-winning actress Laura Dern and CVS Health.

Now through Saturday July 18, anyone can donate at a CVS Pharmacy or online to support the ALA’s new COVID-19 Action Initiative. It will invest $25 million over three years to expand COVID-19 research, increase access to vaccines and antivirals, and prevent future respiratory pandemics.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Delaware had reported 10,847 active cases and 504 deaths as of June 23. The initiative will also support 127,000 Delaware residents living with a lung disease who are at high risk for complications from the virus.

“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our communities, including those who are more vulnerable to the impacts of the disease, such as older adults, Black and Hispanic communities, and the 127,000 Delawareans who are living with a lung disease such as asthma or COPD,” said Deborah Brown, American Lung Association chief mission officer. “To save more lives, it will take everyone coming together, and we’re proud to stand alongside Laura Dern and CVS Health to raise funds for lifesaving research.”

Dern is best known for her work in films such as “Jurassic Park” and “Wild,” and in series including Showtime’s “Twin Peaks” and HBO’s “Big Little Lies.” 

“I am partnering with the American Lung Association and CVS Health so that we can give hope to everyone who would normally be vulnerable to infection, and prevent others from losing their loved ones,” said Dern. “If we come together, I know we can make a positive impact in the lives of the millions of people impacted by this terrible disease.” 

Funds raised through the CVS Health campaign will allow the lung association to expand COVID-19 research within the current studies of its Airways Clinical Research Centers Network, along with new coronavirus awards and grants to support preventive research, vaccines, antivirals and future outbreak preparedness. The initiative will also enhance key public health measures through education and advocacy, and establish an advanced network of government, private industry and public health organizations to stop future respiratory virus pandemics.

As a longtime partner of the American Lung Association, CVS Health has signed on as a leading sponsor of the COVID-19 Action Initiative. In addition to hosting the in-store fundraising campaign, CVS Health is now providing drive-thru COVID-19 testing at CVS Pharmacy locations in Delaware. These tests are being offered at no cost to improve access and necessary care for historically underserved communities.

For more information on the COVID-19 Action Initiative, go to www.Lung.org/covid-19.