President Bush Sends Message on COPD

November 1, 2002
The AARC and other members of the U.S. COPD Coalition were rewarded with a presidential message regarding efforts to have November named COPD Awareness Month.

In part, the message says: "I commend the organizations of the United States Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Coalition for your efforts to increase awareness of COPD and I applaud your work to advance care for those affected by this disease." You may view the entire message on the U.S. COPD Coalition Web site.

AARC was instrumental in moving the issue of a national recognition month for COPD. Through the AARC's efforts 28 state governors have officially declared the month.

In a related development the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) program is coordinating World COPD Day, November 20, 2002. This is an excellent opportunity to again bring media attention to COPD. We encourage you to use your September issue of AARC Times as a resource as you plan awareness activities.

---