US COPD Coalition commends federal action to improve lives of Americans with lung disease
December 31, 2008
For the millions of Americans living with COPD, 2008 has been a very successful year, as legislative action and federal agency participation has moved forward to improve information, awareness and services to those who suffer from the condition, according to the U.S. COPD Coalition.
November is National COPD Awareness Month. Sponsored by the U.S. COPD Coalition, the observance is a time for organizations and communities across the country to increase the overall awareness of COPD.
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
“We have to keep up the public awareness efforts regarding COPD,” said Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, “and as the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional COPD Caucus, I will continue my advocacy efforts on behalf of COPD. When Members of Congress understand the long-range public health effects of COPD and how federal health policy can assist with medical treatments, everyone benefits.”
Co-chairs of the COPD Coalition are Barbara Yawn, MD, and Antonio Anzueto, MD.
“Studies have shown that pulmonary rehabilitation is important for people with all levels of COPD severity and it is never too early or too late to begin rehab” said John Walsh, incoming chair of the COPD Coalition for 2009.
Walsh pointed to a major success of 2008: “Recently Congress took action to secure a permanent Medicare benefit for pulmonary rehabilitation, to be implemented in January, 2010.”
Walsh is President of both the COPD Foundation and the Alpha-1 Foundation.
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