As we look forward to the new 2013 Congressional session we will be saying good bye to many of our valued members of the Congressional COPD Caucus. After the 2012 election the COPD Caucus will be losing 13 members for the 2013 Congressional session, including 12 Representatives and 1 Senator.

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It was a great year for COPD public policy due to all of your advocacy efforts! We successfully passed COPD legislation in 46 states; primarily governor proclamations and legislative resolutions announcing November 2012 as COPD Awareness Month. Advocates from across the country mobilized to submit proclamation requests to 47 governors from across the country and successfully received 43 governor signatures. This landmark year for COPD legislation will help raise COPD awareness throughout the states and introduce elected officials to COPD and its effects in their state.

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Tell Congress to Pass HR 6490

Congress mandated several changes to the way Medicare pays for home oxygen supplies, called Competitive Bidding, which requires suppliers of durable medical equipment, including oxygen, to be awarded contracts by Medicare in order to continue being providers for Medicare beneficiaries.

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This summer COPD advocates from across the country have been busy spreading awareness and educating elected officials. From Arizona to Massachusetts, advocates have been attending district visits, participating in Capitol Awareness Days, speaking at conferences, and more. Many Americans, including our elected officials, are not informed about COPD.

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The COPD Foundation (COPDF) today announced that data gathered by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), the largest national health survey, about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been collected and is being analyzed.

“We are excited about the data because it will finally showcase the severe impact of COPD and prove that it is a growing public health crisis that must be addressed at the state and federal levels with proven prevention, awareness, education and management strategies,” says John W. Walsh, president and co-founder of the COPD Foundation.

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The U.S. COPD Coalition is pleased to welcome three new members to the Congressional COPD Caucus:

• Representative Charlie Bass a Republican from New Hampshire's 2nd district
• Represenative Aaron Schock a Republican from Illinois' 18th district
• Senator Jeanne Shaheen a Democrat from New Hampshire

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Alpha-1, pulmonary patients, their family members/caregivers and professionals affiliated with pulmonary disease are welcome to attend. The support group encourages group members to become active and assist in planning furture meeting agendas, education, and support needs. If you are unale to attend please contact Bruce miles and make sure he has your correct contact information for future meetings.

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Hosted by the U.S. COPD Coalition, the COPD Learn More Breathe Better® campaign, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this webinar on July 17th will be focused on sharing insights related to the upcoming release of the CDC's 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey findings pertaining to COPD, what impact the data will have, and what assistance will be available to help disseminate the information throughout your community.

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On the Road Again - Country Conquers COPDT Travels Cross Country this Summer

Article courtesy of Edna Fiore from EFFORTS, a USCC member organization

Country Conquers COPDT, a program of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is traveling nationwide this summer to raise COPD awareness and bring important COPD information to people at risk and their loved ones. At each stop, we'll be joined by local lung health experts to provide information about the signs and symptoms of COPD, provide free screenings and encourage those at risk to talk to their health care provider.

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