National Lung Association Reprimands Northwest Chapter

The American Lung Association has warned that it will sever ties with its Northwest chapter unless the affiliate seeks to take steps to follow the national charity’s policies, reports the Associated Press.

The Northwest chapter changed its mission statement, declined to run anti-smoking programs for teenagers, and started a new nonprofit group this summer without approval from the national board, all of which is in violation of its agreement with the national charity. The national group has given the affiliate one month to correct its breach of contract.

Mike Alderson, who started in June as chief executive of the Northwest chapter, issued a statement saying he disagrees with the national organization’s interpretation of the contract.

“The ALA of the Northwest will address these allegations through the appropriate channels,” he wrote. “The ALA of the Northwest will continue to help people in the states of Washington, Alaska and Idaho as we have for the past 102 years.”

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