Our Mission
The Hawaii COPD Coalition is a non-profit dedicated to the advocacy, education, support, and resources for both those at risk for or suffering from COPD as well as practical training and resources for health care providers.What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, “COPD,” is a serious lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It is most often characterized by shortness of breath and a persistent cough. It includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD has risen to the third leading cause of death and second leading cause of disability with an estimated 24 million people living with COPD in the United States. Over 46,015 (4.4%) adults have already been diagnosed with COPD. Those over the age of 40 with a history of smoking are particularly at risk, however 1 in 6 people with COPD have never smoked. The best treatment for COPD is to stop smoking and avoid exposure to all lung irritants, including any form of smoke. See the “ Burden of COPD in Hawaii 2010 Report,” for more information.
What Can You Do On Our Website?
Here on our site you can browse our RESOURCES, find out more about our annual EVENTS & COPD EDUCATION DAY, take THE SCREENER to see if you my have COPD, find out how to DONATE to our cause, and more! Please take the time to browse around our site and check back regularly to see updated ARTICLES. You may also read more ABOUT our organization or CONTACT us. Your thoughts and comments are welcome! *SEE CALENDAR FOR UPDATED SUPPORT GROUP MEETING INFO
Sign Up for Our Free e-Newsletter!
November Is COPD Month!
Governor David Ige has issued a proclamation, declaring November as COPD month as well as declaring World COPD Day on November 18, 2016. Other states are also getting proclamations.
Click here to view the proclamation 2015 Proclamation of November as COPD Month and November 18 as COPD Day. To read more about the latest Hawaii COPD news check out our ARTICLES.
About the Hawaii COPD Coalition
Hawaii COPD Coalition (HiCOPD) was formed in 2007, to provide services and improve treatment for the over 46,015 (4.4%) of Hawaii adults diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)—including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and its related disorders. We also serve patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and others. An equal or greater number of Hawaii adults remain undiagnosed. See the website for “Burden of COPD in Hawaii 2010 Report,” and more information on this site, (808)699-9839. In 2008, over $55.9 million was spent on COPD emergency room and hospital charges in Hawaii.
US—estimated 30 million people have COPD, (http://learnaboutcopd.org), of which only 15 million know they have COPD; it has risen to the third leading cause of death in the US. Every four minutes, someone in the US dies of COPD.
The Facts about COPD:
- 85-90% of folks with COPD got it from smoking; many of the others got it from heavy second-hand exposure or toxic work environments.
- COPD is a very expensive condition as the second leading cause of disability.
- COPD results in frequent longed hospitalizations, supplemental oxygen use, visits to physicians and specialists, and increased the risk of additional problems including right-sided heart failure, pneumonia, and more.
Hawaii COPD Coalition has performed free lung health clinics from 2008 through 2013. HICOPD has conducted:
- Clinics at many locations state-wide, with free breathing tests, lung and cessation information
- 2011—over 40 clinics held testing over 1300 people including
- 14 on neighbor islands
- 27 clinics throughout Oahu, including many medically underserve
- 2011—over 40 clinics held testing over 1300 people including
- Monthly support group meetings
- Annual COPD Education Day
- COPD Presentations at National and International Conferences and Meetings, 2008 through present
- Professional Development Events on COPD
- Training for Volunteers and Healthcare Workers about COPD and Smoking Cessation Counseling
- Information Sharing about 2009 Hawaii Joint Concurrent Resolution Urging Hawaii Congressional Delegation to Create National COPD Plan—resolution passed unanimously
- Advocacy to obtain COPD Proclamations every year since 2007, including 2011 Hawaii Senate Certificate for World COPD Day
- Information sharing of licensure for Hawaii’s respiratory therapists, which has successfully led to licensing
For more information, contact:
Valerie Chang, JD
Executive Director
Hawaii COPD Coalition
