New COPD Awareness Campaign, DRIVE4COPD, Kicks Off Today
February 3, 2010
DRIVE4COPD Sheds Light on the Nation’s 4th Leading Killer Through Unprecedented Public Health Initiative: Hollywood, Sports and Music Stars Drive 6,000 Miles Cross Country to Identify the Millions of People with COPD Who May Not Know They Have It
Ridgefield, CT, February 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/—A powerful group of entertainment, sports and healthcare organizations and celebrities have joined forces to screen millions of people who may be at risk for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the nation’s fourth leading cause of death. The American Lung Association, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., COPD Foundation and NASCAR® today kicked off DRIVE4COPD, a multi-year public health initiative aiming to reach millions of Americans about the need for early detection of COPD.
An estimated half of the 24 million people in the United States who may have COPD remain undiagnosed. The serious, progressive disease – which includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both – robs people of their ability to breathe and kills more Americans each year than breast cancer and diabetes combined.
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Following the celebrity four-day kick off, the race continues with local COPD screening events at NASCAR races, major sporting events and country music concerts. The DRIVE4COPD celebrity ambassadors will continue spreading their message through public service announcements and briefings on Capitol Hill throughout the year.
“Everyone in America knows someone with COPD and unfortunately half of them are symptomatic and don’t know they have it,” said John Walsh, president of the COPD Foundation and an individual living with COPD. “COPD affects more women than men. Although smoking is a major risk factor, it’s not the only one. Environmental exposures and genetics are also involved. That’s why it’s important to spread awareness about COPD so individuals affected feel empowered and take charge.”
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To read full press release online, click here.