World Oxygen Day – October 2

Join the COPD Foundation and global partners for World Oxygen Day (O2 Day), an annual event recognized each year on October 2. The inaugural event will be October 2, 2023. World Oxygen Day is an international collaboration to support all those around the world who use and benefit from oxygen therapy. In the United States alone, 1.5 million people are prescribed long-term oxygen therapy for chronic breathing problems. Globally, millions more depend on oxygen therapy not only for chronic problems but for a range of conditions from pneumonia to sleep disturbances. Together, we will educate, advocate, and broadcast the need for better access to oxygen equipment, technological innovation, and improved quality of life for people using oxygen therapy.

For the last 40 years, supplemental oxygen has been a mainstay treatment for millions of people across the globe who are impacted by breathlessness, lack of mobility, and other debilitating symptoms. Despite its proven ability to improve patients’ longevity and quality of life, developments in oxygen therapy technology and delivery are significantly out of date and have stalled in many areas of the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened this problem by adding demand and straining supply chains.

There are significant systemic barriers to supplying quality oxygen therapy to those who need it most, many of which existed prior to the recent global pandemic.

Thanks to our generous supporters, we will inform the public and support the oxygen therapy community, advocate for improved access, and identify and promote modern technologies to improve the quality of life for millions of oxygen therapy users worldwide.