We'd all like a cure for COPD! And there are a lot of researchers who are working on various aspects of that question. We're learning a lot, but we're not at the cure stage yet. If you really want to help, certainly making legislators aware of issues is important, and I encourage you to write to your senators and representatives encouraging them to be supportive of legislation and funding for both the CDC and NIH, specifically for COPD. Our legislative efforts were successful this year in increasing funding for COPD research significantly this year. The COPD Foundation and the ALA both have legislative agendas and a cure is at the top of the list. Next month the ALA is sending a group of COPD patients from around the country to Capitol Hill to speak with their legislators regarding COPD issues, including additional funding for CDC and NIH, passing an asthma bill and lobbying for legislative support for a bill that will increase access to supplemental 02 and 02 equipment. The COPD Foundation has a similar program. There are lots of ways you can help even if you never leave your home, assuming you have both a phone and a computer. If you do decide to do something, I really encourage you to join a group that has an agenda, contacts and a plan; that way your efforts can be a part of something bigger than just one person and you have a chance to influence the issues that are top of mind.

++You could start by writing to your State Representative. He/She should be able to tell you from there @A MyCOPDTeam Member. Or contact one of the representatives from this group. GOOD LUCK!

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