New issue brief highlights place-based approaches to addressing the growing respiratory health impacts of climate change, air pollution, and barriers to care

BOSTON, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FSG today released a new issue brief, “Improving Community Respiratory Health: Place-Based Lessons from the Field,“ offering practical lessons and recommendations for funders, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations working to improve respiratory health outcomes in communities across the United States.

The report, released in recognition of Lung Health Day, explores how communities are responding to increasing respiratory health challenges driven by climate-related exposures, poor air quality, healthcare workforce shortages, and inequities in access to care. Drawing on research and interviews with leaders from community-based organizations, philanthropy, healthcare, and advocacy organizations, the report identifies six key elements of effective place-based approaches to respiratory health.

According to the report, nearly 150 million Americans now live in areas with unhealthy air quality, while communities with the greatest environmental burdens continue to experience disproportionate rates of asthma and chronic lung disease. At the same time, many of the organizations working to address these challenges face significant resource constraints.

“Across the country, communities are already demonstrating what works to improve respiratory health,” said John Harper, FSG CEO. “The challenge isn’t a lack of promising solutions. It’s ensuring that local leaders have the support, partnerships, and resources necessary to sustain and scale these efforts. This report highlights practical approaches that can improve health outcomes while strengthening community resilience.”

The report identifies six common characteristics of successful place-based models, including community co-design, multi-sector partnerships, community health worker programs, home-based interventions, embedded measurement and evaluation, and supportive policy environments.

The issue brief also highlights examples from Detroit, Michigan, and Western Massachusetts, where local organizations, healthcare providers, and community partners have developed collaborative approaches to address respiratory health challenges and reduce barriers to care.

FSG conducted the research with support from Sanofi.

“Respiratory health is influenced by factors that extend far beyond the healthcare system alone,” said Sandrine Bouttier-Stref, Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility & Foundation, Sanofi. “Improving respiratory health requires collaboration across healthcare, public health, community organizations, and policymakers. We are honored to support research that highlights promising approaches and elevates the voices of community leaders and organizations working every day to improve health outcomes in their communities. We hope this brief will help inform action, catalyze funders, and increase investment to scale effective place-based solutions.”

The report concludes with recommendations for funders, policymakers, and practitioners focused on three priorities: driving urgency around community respiratory health, closing gaps in access to care and support services, and strengthening the long-term capacity of community health systems.

Download and read the full report: Improving Community Respiratory Health: Place-Based Lessons from the Field

About FSG

FSG is a global, mission-driven nonprofit that has helped catalyze the field of social impact for more than 25 years. Today, FSG partners with corporate, foundation and other impact-minded leaders to move from idea to action. We provide customized consulting and coaching, contribute original research and insights, and create peer learning spaces, connecting leaders across sectors with the tools, networks and support to drive and sustain change.

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SOURCE FSG