COPD Awareness Month
Each November, the COPD Foundation and its community plan a full month of advocacy and awareness activities to increase awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). You can help by joining us to spread the word about COPD and chronic lung disease awareness, prevention, and treatment.
2026 Theme
This year, the COPD Foundation and partners are celebrating the power of orange as a symbol of the movement to improve lung health. This 2026 theme for COPD Awareness Month highlights the many ways we can expand awareness of COPD through advocacy, treatment access, early diagnosis, research, and more.
Orange is awareness.
Orange is access.
Orange is advocacy.
COPD Awareness Month Events
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Comprehensive Approaches for COPD Care
Virtual Event for Health Care Professionals
Join the COPD Foundation and leading experts for the annual Lung Health Collaborative Virtual Assembly. This year’s event features four expert-led sessions on ventilation strategies for people with COPD, managing COPD and cardiovascular co-occurring conditions, testing for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and integrating palliative care.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Understanding COPD: From Diagnosis to Daily Life
Virtual Event for Patients and Community
Join the COPD Foundation with host Jonnie Korinko, MSRC, RRT, RRT-ACCS, Director of Education at the COPD Foundationfor a free virtual webinar event.
The session will address common misconceptions about COPD, explore treatment options, and offer practical guidance for people living with COPD, those who care for them, and anyone looking to learn more.
Tune into COPD Foundation social media channels for more events and opportunities to get involved throughout November.
Get Involved in Your Community
COPD awareness is a global effort, and we need your local support! Our COPD Awareness Month Digital Engagement Kit has free printable resources and shareable content for you to make a difference in your network.
COPD Facts
COPD remains a leading cause of death worldwide, ranking as the third leading cause of death globally in 20231 and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States in 20242.
COPD is (currently) incurable, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, there are many things you can do to breathe better, enjoy life, and live for many years.
What is COPD?
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a term used to describe chronic lung diseases, that include emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. The overarching symptom is difficulty breathing. Some people with COPD also experience tiredness and chronic cough with or without mucus.
Learn more about COPD >
Importance of Early Diagnosis
It's important to talk to a health care provider as soon as you experience symptoms, including increased shortness of breath, frequent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and unusual tiredness. Early diagnosis is critical to help reduce your lung damage and to help with your quality of life as you manage COPD.
Are you or someone you know experiencing symptoms of COPD?
The COPD Foundation would like to thank our supporters of COPD Awareness Month.