About

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, (https://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.

NIH Disease Funding for 2013

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.
  • As the second leading cause of disability, COPD is a very expensive condition.
  • COPD results in frequent long hospitalizations, supplemental oxygen use, visits to physicians and specialists, and increases 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:

  1. 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
  2. Monthly support group meetings
  3. Annual COPD Education Day
  4. COPD Presentations at National and International Conferences and Meetings, 2008 through present
  5. Professional Development Events on COPD
  6. Training for Volunteers and Healthcare Workers about COPD and Smoking Cessation Counseling
  7. Information Sharing about 2009 Hawaii Joint Concurrent Resolution Urging Hawaii Congressional Delegation to Create National COPD Plan—resolution passed unanimously
  8. Advocacy to obtain COPD Proclamations every year since 2007, including 2011 Hawaii Senate Certificate for World COPD Day
  9. 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
Address: 700 Richards Street, Suite 2410, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808)699-9839
Email: hicopd@gmail.com

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