World Oxygen Day 2026 calls attention to essential role of oxygen and barriers to access
COPD Foundation leads the fourth annual awareness day
Miami (September 24, 2026) - The fourth annual World Oxygen Day will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026. The awareness day brings together 22 global patient advocacy organizations and professional societies to raise awareness of the importance of oxygen and oxygen therapy.
Millions of people around the world rely on supplemental oxygen for their activities of daily living. Millions more need short-term supplemental oxygen to survive acute conditions, such as pneumonia or traumatic injuries. Hypoxemia, or low oxygen levels, can affect people of any age and can result from a range of respiratory, cardiac, and other conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Despite being recognized by the World Health Organization as an essential medicine, supplemental oxygen remains out of reach for a full 60% of the world's population, according to the Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security. Access to appropriate equipment, reliable oxygen supplies, education and support varies widely. Even for those who can obtain equipment, the technological limitations of that equipment can make it difficult—or even impossible—to leave home, participate in daily activities, or maintain their independence.
World Oxygen Day raises awareness of the importance of supplemental oxygen, reduces the stigma of supplemental oxygen therapy use, and highlights the barriers people face in accessing the oxygen therapy they need.
In the United States, there are continued advocacy efforts to pass the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act, bipartisan legislation designed to create a more patient-centered, sustainable approach to oxygen equipment and services.
"Everybody needs oxygen to live, but some people need a little extra to get by," said Mike Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT, Senior Director of Advocacy and Regulatory Affairs for the COPD Foundation. "Unfortunately, too many people face too many barriers in getting the oxygen therapy they need to thrive. World Oxygen Day gives the global oxygen community a platform to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and advocate for meaningful, sustainable change."
For more information about participating in World Oxygen Day, visit WorldOxygenDay.org.
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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