Help Build a COPD Movement!

Most Americans, including our elected leaders, are not informed about COPD. We have an opportunity to change that, but need your help. 

The goal of Operation 435 is to educate all 435 Representatives and 100 Senators about COPD. Only by making ourselves heard can we help raise awareness, increase education, improve diagnosis, and fund research.  We hope to mobilize the estimated 24 million individuals who are affected by COPD in the U.S. to take action and become COPD advocates.

A COPD advocate is someone who makes their voice heard by contacting their local, state, or national elected officials. Call, email, write, or visit your representatives to show that COPD does affect their district. Tell them we are looking for representatives to place COPD on the national agenda.

Take Action Now!

(1) Visit the COPD Action Center--The COPD Action Center provides information on current legislation important to the COPD community and offers simple ways to make your voice heard in Congress.  All on one website you can:

• Take action by sending messages, post issues on Facebook/Twitter, or email friends to follow your lead
• See pre-written letters for the issues that impact you the most
• Look up your local, state, and national representatives
• Sign up to receive Action Alerts so you know when Congress is dealing with COPD legislation
• Learn more about COPD legislation
• Learn how to effectively communicate with members with tips on scheduling meetings, writing letters, or making phone calls

(2) Sign the Stop COPD! Petition--The COPD Foundation is trying to collect 10,000 names on our petition and then deliver them to elected officials across the country. We believe this will show them that a lot of people care about COPD and want something done about it! You can add your name by filling out the form below.

(3) Volunteer--We need volunteers from every community to help spread the word about COPD advocacy and ask others to take action. Become an Advocacy Captain for your district or state!  We will provide you with all the resources and support you need to help make a difference including an Advocacy Training Webinar, tips for effectively communicating with Congress, COPD Action Center training and legislative updates.

(4) Spread the Word--Join the COPD Foundation Facebook group, follow us on Twitter, share your story with local newspapers and media, start a support group, or simply tell a friend about COPD.  The first step toward improving the lives of those affected by COPD is raising awareness.

COPD is estimated to affect over 24 million Americans and it’s our job to stand up and have our voices heard.  COPD and Alpha-1 needs advocates like you to help Congress pass legislation that helps raise awareness, increase education, improve diagnosis, and fund research. So please take a minute to visit the COPD Action Center and make Congress work for you!

Contact Aimee Bulthuis if you have any questions regarding ways to get involved, organizing district visits, or hosting advocacy webinars for your local support group or organization. (866) 731-2673 ext 459