COPD FOUNDATION
ADVOCATING FOR MICHIGANDERS IMPACTED BY CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE BY MIKE HESS, MPH, RRT, SR. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
Many chronic health problems are familiar to the public — Diabetes, Heart Disease, Arthritis — but there’s one that has largely escaped the public eye. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, has become the third leading cause of death in Michigan as of 2020 — this despite the fact that the majority of the population knows little or nothing about the condition.1 Of course, the problem is not unique to Michigan — COPD is a leading cause of death across the country and worldwide, yet it receives little recognition. In the United States, COPD is a significant cause of disability and the 4th leading cause of death, but ranks approximately 176th in research funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).2 Many people have never heard of the condition nor realize they’re at risk, which often means they don’t get diagnosed until significant damage is already done to their lungs and their quality of life. Raising awareness about COPD and working toward better treatments (and one day a cure) for those living with the disease, is the core mission of the COPD Foundation. Like many conditions, COPD is best managed when detected early. Unfortunately, most people rarely think about their breathing until they absolutely must.
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MICHBIO | michbio.org
Often people adapt their lifestyles to accommodate for shortness of breath and other symptoms. Maybe they start taking the elevator instead of the stairs, or they figure they’re getting older and out of shape and need to start hitting the gym more often. They may not realize they’re one of the roughly 1 in 8 Michiganders living with COPD, nearly half of whom never get diagnosed properly. That’s why the COPD Foundation would like people to think a little more closely about their breathing. Education and communication for patients and providers are critical to a healthy, cooperative approach to disease management. Additionally, the COPD Foundation is committed to supporting clinicians caring for those with COPD. One woman, living with COPD in Kalamazoo, told us that her most significant issue is getting all her clinicians (primary care and specialists) to coordinate care. Each one has her on different meds, and the regimens can be complicated, making it challenging to keep track. To that end, the COPD Foundation provides patients with free downloadable education materials and a COPD Pocket Consultant Guide mobile app for iOS and Android with a COPD Wallet Card to keep medications and vaccines in one central location and share with providers. Many people with COPD require various equipment, like nebulizers for certain inhaled medications, oxygen
