2006 State of Tobacco Report

American Lung Association in Colorado Receives Funding Award to Conduct COPD Education Efforts as Part of NHLBI Program
NHLBI COPD Learn More Breathe Better® Campaign Expands Community Network

The American Lung Association in Colorado has been awarded a $25,000 contract by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health. The contract award was approved by the NHLBI under its communications contract with Porter Novelli as part of its larger program to improve awareness and understanding of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This new funding enables the American Lung Association in Colorado to increase focus on such things as: recognizing COPD risk factors; the benefits of early detection and treatment in slowing disease progression; and, improving quality of life for people with COPD in Colorado.

“We are very excited to be one of the organizations chosen to receive this award,” said Curt Huber, executive director. “The American Lung Association is strongly committed to raising awareness of COPD and looks forward to increasing efforts throughout the community. As part of this project we will provide educational workshops to communities located on the Eastern Plains identified with a higher rate of COPD prevalence. These workshops will focus on the definition of COPD; the signs and symptoms of COPD; the importance of getting tested (spirometry); and treatment and management in order to improve the quality of life for people living with COPD.”

COPD is a serious lung disease that, over time, makes it hard to breathe. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and causes serious, long-term disability. Also known by other names, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, the number of people with COPD is increasing. More than 12 million Americans are currently diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million likely have the disease and don't even know it.

This award will enable the American Lung Association to increase understanding of COPD symptoms and treatment among at-risk populations which will support the goals of the NHLBI’s COPD Learn More Breathe Better® campaign. Contracts were awarded on a competitive basis, with a total of 15 organizations receiving funding for proposed outreach efforts out of more that 35 organizations applying. All programs will be completed by October 2010.

“One in five Americans over the age of 45 has COPD – but as many as half may not even be aware of it. More and more organizations are joining the NHLBI in taking on the challenge of improving understanding of this common but treatable disease,” said Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., director, NHLBI. “We’re pleased to support the American Lung Association as it carries forward important messages about the necessity of early detection and treatment.”

The American Lung Association in Colorado is part of the Breathe Better Network, which is the COPD Learn More Breathe Better campaign’s larger community partnership network. The Breathe Better Network is designed to broaden the reach of the national campaign effort and was developed by the NHLBI to help bridge the gap in awareness about this highly prevalent disease. Since the campaign began in 2006, more than 25 states have initiated COPD education programs or convened coalitions in support of developing plans of action.

The NHLBI COPD Learn More Breathe Better campaign provides education materials, a Web site (www.learnaboutcopd.org) and additional communications tools for community partners. The campaign targets the needs of the public, including those at risk for COPD, people with COPD who are undiagnosed and those already diagnosed with the disease. The campaign also focuses on reaching health care professionals, specifically among primary care providers, to increase early detection, proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

For over 100 years, the American Lung Association in Colorado has been a leading organization in the state working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined.

The American Lung Association in Colorado funds vital research on the causes and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association in Colorado is “Fighting For Air.”