Community Corner
Wheaton Resident to Receive White House Honor for Public Health
Double-lung transplant recipient Daniel Dolan-Laughlin works in retirement as an advocate for clean air and clean lungs.
A Wheaton resident is scheduled to be honored by the White House on Tuesday for his advocacy for clean-air regulations and for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the American Lung Association has announced.
Daniel Dolan-Laughlin will join 10 others in receiving the administration's "Champions of Change" honor for "working on the front lines to protect public health in a changing climate... raising awareness about the health consequences of carbon pollution and helping their communities prepare for climate-related health impacts."
According to an ALA release, Dolan-Laughlin, a retired railroad executive, required a double-lung transplant to save his life from COPD. Since the surgery, he has testified in EPA hearings, met government officials on the behalf of the ALA and heads a "Better Breathers Club" COPD support group.
The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature groups of Americans—individuals, businesses and organizations —who are doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities.
The event can be watched live here at 9:45 a.m. Central time.
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