COPD Foundation partners with four Minor League Baseball teams to raise awareness of COPD
COPD Foundation will share resources, information with fans at select games this summer
Miami (July 10, 2025) - The COPD Foundation is partnering with four Minor League Baseball teams to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during the 2025 season.
COPD is a chronic, progressive lung disease affecting more than 30 million Americans. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, and fatigue. It comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics or irritants like smoke or pollution.
"Nearly 32 million fans will attend a minor league baseball game this season. Similarly, that same number of Americans have COPD," said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. "That's 1 in 8 adults over 45 years old, and nearly half of those with COPD do not know they have it. Through community outreach partnerships, we're raising awareness of COPD and helping people recognize the symptoms so they can have those conversations with their health care providers to get the care they need sooner."
The COPD Foundation is partnering with the following teams:
- Louisville Bats (Ky.) on Friday, July 18 at 7:15 pm ET
- Louisville Bats (Ky.) on Friday, August 8 at 7:15 pm ET
- Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Pa.) on Friday, August 22 at 7:05 pm ET
- Richmond Flying Squirrels (Va.) on Tuesday, August 26 at 6:35 pm ET
- Reading Fightin Phils (Pa.) on Thursday, September 11 at 6:45 p.m. ET
Representatives from the COPD Foundation will be present at each of these games to share information on COPD and a quick, one-page screening test. For more information about COPD, visit 1in8copd.org or copdfoundation.org.
###
About the COPD Foundation
The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help millions of people live longer and healthier lives by advancing research, advocacy, and awareness to stop COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease. The Foundation does this through scientific research, education, advocacy, and awareness to prevent disease, slow progression, and find a cure. For more information, visit copdfoundation.org, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Contact:
Brittany Irish
805-465-2497
mediarelations@copdfoundation.org