People Living with Lung Disease to Advocate for Critical Healthcare Priorities on Capitol Hill

Millions of people in the U.S. are living with lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). On September 10, 2024, patient advocates with lung disease from across the country will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress for the American Lung Association’s annual Respiratory Advocacy Day. This event will shine a spotlight on the urgent healthcare and public health priorities needed to support those living with lung disease.

"This day is an opportunity for those living with asthma, COPD, pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis and other lung diseases to share their powerful stories directly with policymakers," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "By elevating their voices, we hope to drive meaningful change in healthcare policies that will benefit millions of individuals in the U.S."

Lung disease affects over 35 million people in the U.S., including 11.7 million with COPD and 26.8 million with asthma, of which 4.5 million are children. Each year, between 500 and 1,000 people in the U.S. are newly diagnosed with PAH, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and awareness.

During Respiratory Advocacy Day, patient advocates will meet with their elected officials to urge them to support:

• Permanent Reauthorization of Enhanced Healthcare Tax Credits: Protecting access to quality, affordable healthcare coverage for millions of individuals in the U.S.
• Co-Sponsorship of the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act: Ensuring Medicare beneficiaries have access to supplemental oxygen (HR 7829/S 3821), vital for maintaining active, healthy lives.
• Increased Funding for CDC and NIH: Advocates will call for robust, predictable, and sustained investments in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to enhance lung health across the nation.

This marks the second annual Respiratory Advocacy Day, building on the momentum from last year, when dozens of advocates successfully urged Congress to support key lung health initiatives, including reforms in Medicare supplemental oxygen coverage and increased funding for critical health agencies.

For more information about Respiratory Advocacy Day and how you can get involved, please visit Lung.org/rad.