BEDFORD, N.H. (AP) – The American Lung Association of New Hampshire will continue fighting lung disease with a new name, Breathe New Hampshire.

The group says it is changing its name to because it does not want to go along with a plan by the National American Lung Association to require individual state organizations to merge into regional groups.

“It is our belief that remaining independent will allow us the most flexibility to provide the best service to the people of New Hampshire,” said Daniel Fortin, president and CEO of the New Hampshire group.”

The organization was founded in 1916 to eradicate tuberculosis. Since then, its focus has widened to include lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer.

AP-ES-03-07-07 1417EST