The campaign against the principal lung disease of the 19th century, tuberculosis, was originally headed by the Michigan State Board of Health along with the cooperation of sanatoria and local anti-tuberculosis groups in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Detroit. In 1908, a statewide organization, the Michigan State Association for the Prevention and Relief of Tuberculosis was formed. At the end of 1914, the organization name was changed to the Michigan Anti-Tuberculosis Association and in 1921 to the Michigan Tuberculosis Association. In about 1962, in recognition of the organization's broadening focus, the name was changed to Michigan Tuberculosis and Respiratory Disease Association. There was a subsequent name change in 1973 to American Lung Association of Michigan.

The fight against lung diseases was most effectively engaged at the local level. During the twentieth century associations affiliated with the Michigan Tuberculosis Association were formed in many communities, including Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties. The American Lung Association of Southeast Michigan resulted from the merger in 1973 of the Tuberculosis and Health Society of Wayne County (incorporated in 1945) with the Macomb County Tuberculosis and Health Association. In 1991, the American Lung Association of Southeast Michigan (which had become independent from the state association) merged into the American Lung Association of Michigan.

The purpose of the current organization is the prevention and control of all lung diseases including pneumonia, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis through cooperation with patients, the medical community, official and voluntary agencies, community groups and interested citizens.

Source: Bentley Historical Library, American Lung Association in Michigan Records.