COPD Foundation Points to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Report Showing Declines in COPD Hospitalizations and Mortality Rate, Highlights Areas For Further Advocacy and Awareness
CPR CommunicationsStephanie Clark, 201-641-1911 x 53
(COPDF) announces the release of “,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated surveillance results for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the US. The report concludes that the age-adjusted prevalence, death rate in men, and hospitalizations for COPD have declined since 1999, suggesting advances in the prevention of COPD.
“While we are gratified to see that progress is being made in response to improved therapies, greater awareness and outreach to healthcare providers, more work must be done to reach those geographical areas that have not experienced improvement,” says David M. Mannino, M.D., COPD Foundation board member, professor and chair, Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, and co-author of the CDC report. “It’s important to remember that COPD is still the third leading cause of death in America and that one in five hospitalized patients over 40 is diagnosed with COPD. Continued efforts by COPDF coalition groups are critical for further progress.”
The CDC report takes a comprehensive look at all available data for COPD, including the (BRFSS). The CDC will present its report at via live video.
John W. Walsh, president and co-founder, COPDF, adds, “As the COPDF approaches its 10-year anniversary, we feel galvanized by these positive findings, and will intensify our efforts to reach underserved communities and at-risk individuals with targeted programs, research and resources.”
The mission of the COPD Foundation () is to develop and support programs, which improve the quality of life through research, education, early diagnosis, and enhanced therapy for persons whose lives are impacted by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The C.O.P.D. Information Line, 866-316-COPD (2673), is a toll-free number for information and referrals on COPD, offering callers access to peer-to-peer patients and caregiver associates. DRIVE4COPD () is a public awareness and education campaign of the COPD Foundation.