November is COPD Awareness Month

COPD Foundation calls for greater awareness, earlier diagnosis and improved care for millions living with COPD

Miami (October 29, 2026) - November is COPD Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), recognize the millions of people affected by the disease, and encourage individuals to take action for better lung health.

More than 30 million Americans are affected by COPD, yet approximately half remain undiagnosed. COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, can be caused by genetic factors and exposure to lung irritants, including tobacco smoke and air pollution.

Despite being a leading cause of death, COPD often goes unrecognized until symptoms become more severe. COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

"COPD Awareness Month is an important opportunity to shine a light on a disease that affects millions of people, many of whom don't even know they have it," said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. "Recognizing symptoms, understanding risk factors, and seeking an earlier diagnosis can make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Through education, advocacy, and research, we are working to ensure that more people have the knowledge, resources and support they need to breathe better and live healthier lives."

This year's awareness campaign focuses on the risks faced by women; those exposed to occupational hazards, including veterans and firefighters; therapy and Medicare resources; early COPD; and co-occurring conditions.

Ways people can get involved in COPD Awareness Month include:

• Follow and Share on Social Media: The COPD Foundation will share educational content and resources on its social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X), so people can easily share with their network.
• Go Orange for COPD: Lung health champions across the nation are asking their city halls, bridges, and other local official buildings to illuminate orange during the month of November.
• Attend a Webinar: "Comprehensive Approaches for COPD Care" will take place on November 10, and "Understanding COPD: From Diagnosis to Daily Life" will take place on November 17.
• World COPD Day: November 18 is World COPD Day. People are encouraged to wear orange to raise awareness of COPD.

COPD Awareness Month is generously supported by Merck.

For more information about how to get involved with COPD Awareness Month activities and become a lung health champion, visit copdfoundation.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