SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Cathleen Galgiani (D- Stockton) is encouraging Californians to recognize “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Day” on November 14, 2007, in an effort to spread awareness about the symptoms and ways of preventing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is one of the fastest growing diseases in the United States and the fourth-leading cause of death in adults, following heart disease, cancer, and stroke.  Yet it remains under-diagnosed and under-treated. Out of 24 million Americans with COPD, only about 10 million have actually been diagnosed.

Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of early diagnosis and intervention. Educating the public and the medical profession regarding the value of early diagnosis,  annual flu shots, and appropriate use of COPD medications can help to improve the lives of patients with COPD while simultaneously reducing costly hospitalizations and medical management of late-stage disease. 

Assemblymember Galgiani authored Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 13, which commends the Department of Health Services for its recently announced disease management pilot program for COPD.  In addition, ACR 13 designates November 14, 2007, “COPD Awareness Day” and November 2007 COPD Awareness Month throughout the State of California.
“In today’s growing healthcare crisis it is important to recognize the potential cost savings from preventative care and early diagnosis ”, said Assemblymember Galgiani. “Early diagnosis and management is critical of COPD and can effectively reduce the overall financial burden of this illness on publicly funded programs like Medi-Cal.”

For more information on the Disease Management Pilot Program, please contact the Department of Health Care Services at (916)445-4171, or for more information on early detection of COPD, contact your local health agency.