The American Lung Association announced on July 8 a new initiative aimed at helping people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) better manage their symptoms and improve quality of life. More than 16 million people in the United States have COPD, a progressive disease that restricts airflow and causes breathing difficulties, while millions more are estimated to be undiagnosed.
COPD poses a significant health burden nationally, with average annual medical costs for those affected reaching $16,000 compared to $6,000 for individuals without the disease. The condition leads to approximately 925,000 emergency room visits and 335,000 hospitalizations each year.
“COPD is a devastating disease that can impact the entire family by taking a toll on mental health and finances. Though there is no cure for COPD, treatments like supplemental oxygen, inhalers and medication, as well as lifestyle changes, can help control symptoms and improve disease management. But managing COPD can be overwhelming, and too many people don’t know where to begin,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “An important part of living with COPD is finding the right support, and our Lung Health Navigators are here to help. We found that after completing the program and working one-on-one with a Navigator, people report fewer symptoms*, indicating a significantly reduced impact of COPD on their daily life.”
“As a physician, I do everything I can to help my patients with COPD live their best, most active and fulfilling lives, but it is critical for people to have support, education and accessible resources to help manage their disease on a daily basis,” said Bobby Shah, MD, board-certified pulmonologist at Cardio-Pulmonary Associates in St. Louis. “Through the Lung Association campaign, people with COPD are able to easily access the information they need outside of my office and the hospital. This is especially important for people who are newly diagnosed with the disease.”
The program offers resources including access to Lung Health Navigators who provide guidance tailored to individual needs. To learn more about COPD or connect with these navigators by phone or online visit Lung.org/copd or call 866-252-2959.
Support for this campaign was provided by Sanofi, Regeneron, AstraZeneca and Genentech.
The American Lung Association has supported groundbreaking research contributing to advancements in lung disease treatment; expanded its influence nationwide through local offices; received high ratings from independent evaluators; worked through research education advocacy; maintained local community efforts across the country; all under Harold Wimmer’s leadership, according to the official website.
