Protect COPD Patients

Your voice matters, action is needed now. Join us in raising awareness for COPD and in advancing policy action that ensures access to early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and patient-centered care. Meaningful progress requires policy action that supports access, early diagnosis, and patient-centered care.

Policymakers have a critical opportunity to advance solutions that directly impact the lives of those living with COPD. This includes strengthening support for bipartisan efforts such as the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act, which seeks to improve access to medically necessary oxygen therapy, and the Safe Step Act, which aims to ensure patients can access the appropriate treatments prescribed by their providers without unnecessary delays caused by step therapy protocols.

We must also work to fully implement national strategies that are already in place. The NIH-led COPD National Action Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. Fully supporting and promoting this plan—through funding, coordination, and accountability—will be critical to driving sustained progress and ensuring that COPD is addressed as the public health priority it is.

Contact your Member of Congress today and urge them to take action.

Dear [Lawmaker],

COPD is one of the most common diseases in the United States and is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death, claiming the lives of 130,000 Americans each year.

I urge you to advance policies that positively impact the lives of those affected by COPD. This includes efforts such as the SOAR (Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform) Act, (S. 1406/H.R. 2902),  bipartisan, bicameral legislation which seeks to improve access to medically necessary oxygen therapy, and the Safe Step Act, (H.R. 5509/S. 2903), bipartisan legislation which aims to ensure patients can access the treatments prescribed by their providers without unnecessary delays caused by step therapy protocols.

COPD disproportionately affects women, first responders, veterans, and people who live in rural areas. Despite how severe the impact of COPD is on Americans; there is a lack of disease awareness. One-half of COPD patients are undiagnosed and receive no treatment, often because vulnerable populations are unaware that they are at higher risk. However, while COPD is dangerous, it is also treatable.

Supporting these policies and strengthening federal investment in COPD will help ensure a better future for millions of Americans.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,
______

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