Living Well With COPD: New Campaign Provides Critical Support and Resources to Families Across the Country Facing Common Lung Disease

The American Lung Association is launching a new campaign to support and empower individuals living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rural and other communities across the U.S. 

Approximately 16 million people are living with COPD in the United States, a chronic, progressive lung disease that limits air flow and causes difficulty breathing. There is no cure for COPD; however, there are treatments—including supplemental oxygen, inhalers and medication, and lifestyle changes—that can improve daily symptoms and quality of life. Unfortunately, many people with lower incomes and education levels face barriers to optimal treatment and care. This includes individuals living in rural areas where COPD rates are twice that of those in urban communities, resulting in more hospitalizations and deaths. 
 
The Lung Association’s Living Well with COPD campaign provides free one-on-one COPD support, education and resources tailored for every stage of the disease. The campaign is created for all families across the U.S. affected by COPD, with a focus on people in rural communities who may not be close to physical hospitals and other resources. 

“Living well with COPD requires an evolving treatment plan, regular visits with a healthcare provider, and lifestyle modifications that can help you breathe better,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “Unfortunately, many individuals, especially those living in rural communities, lack the support and access to essential care and resources that could greatly enhance their daily lives. For these individuals and their families, the Lung Association can help.”

Working with rural partners and referral networks, along with local healthcare providers, the Lung Association is:

• Expanding access to the free Lung Health Navigator program. Lung Health Navigators are licensed healthcare professionals, including registered nurses and respiratory therapists, who offer free and customized one-on-one support to help people throughout their COPD journey. People can meet with a Lung Health Navigator over the phone, through an online chat, or a video call, depending on an individual’s preference and schedule. To connect with a Lung Health Navigator, call 866-252-2959, or visit Lung.org/navigator.
• Creating and distributing new educational materials for people with COPD to empower them to improve communication with their healthcare provider, better understand available COPD treatments, and improve their quality of life.
• Supporting rural and other healthcare providers to improve COPD care, better understand COPD treatment options, and build strong, trusting relationships with their patients.

For more information, contact the Lung Association’s HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA. To learn more about COPD, visit Lung.org/copd. 

Support for the Living Well with COPD educational campaign was provided by Sanofi and Regeneron, AstraZeneca, Genentech and GlaxoSmithKline.