Is the U.S. Neglecting the 4th Leading Cause of Death?

Last week, a study was released that found over 126,000 Americans die each year from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.  This makes COPD the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. 

Yet, the nation's leading public health agency - the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) -has no program in place to address this deadly disease.

COPD cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Early diagnosis is the key to successful management of this chronic disease. But without a program at the CDC, our nation cannot begin to adequately address this disease. 

Please contact your Senators and Representative today and urge them to appropriate funds to create a program at the CDC to address Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Twelve million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD - but an additional 10-12 million are estimated to have COPD but don't know it.  Unless the U.S. develops a plan to tackle COPD head-on, COPD is expected to become the 3rd leading cause of death in just over 10 years. 

Please join the Lung Association in urging Congress to create a program at the CDC by writing your Senators and Representative today.