Breathe New Hampshire, a statewide lung health organization, has been awarded a $47,000 contract by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health. The contract award was approved by the NHLBI as part of its larger program to improve awareness and understanding of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).  This new funding enables Breathe New Hampshire to increase focus on such things as: recognizing COPD risk factors; the benefits of early detection and treatment in slowing disease progression; and, improving the quality of life for people living with COPD in the state.

“We are very pleased to be only one of ten organizations in the country to receive an award between $25,000 and $47,000 to conduct programs to reach people at-risk  for COPD” said Daniel Fortin, President and CEO. “Our organization is strongly committed to raising awareness of COPD and looks forward to increasing efforts throughout the state.”

COPD is a serious lung disease that, over time, makes it hard to breathe. It is the 4th 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 people are currently diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million likely have the disease and don't even know it. 

Breathe New Hampshire was in the forefront of public awareness efforts, beginning education about the disease over five years ago with the publication of a COPD guide.  Since that time, the organization has expanded its efforts in this area.  “Two years ago we pulled together a COPD Advisory Group,” said Diane Smogor, Vice President of Program Services.  “We wanted to understand the issues COPD patients face in their daily living.”  The group, comprised of COPD patients, caregivers, health care professionals, and medical supply company representatives soon evolved from an advisory group to a workgroup.  The group, which meets monthly to share information, examine advocacy opportunities, and work together on ways to raise awareness about COPD, soon evolved to an active workgroup.  The group planned and executed the state’s first public COPD screening last fall.  “They may be short of breath, but they are long on enthusiasm and commitment to raising awareness about this disease and trying to prevent others from developing it,” said Smogor.

“This award will enable Breathe New Hampshire to step up its public awareness campaigns and conduct additional screenings around the state,” said Smogor.  “We will be releasing a report on COPD, which will include the first ever New Hampshire specific data about the disease.”  Last year Breathe New Hampshire provided funding to collect this data through a statewide survey called the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System or BRFSS. 

“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 Breathe New Hampshire as it carries forward important messages about the necessity of early detection and treatment.”

Breathe New Hampshire 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.