National Foundation Aims to Bring Awareness to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

LENVIEW, Ill., Sept. 15, 2014  — The CHEST Foundation, the foundation of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), with support from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., has created the “Tome Un Respiro” Spanish-language campaign to raise awareness among Hispanics in the U.S. about the prevalence, treatment options, and disease management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This COPD awareness campaign offers Spanish-language materials, information, and resources that can be accessed at CHESTnet.org/TomeUnRespiro.

“We saw a need to address the lack of Spanish-language COPD resources available to the Hispanic community,” said Henry McMillan, Director, Respiratory Marketing for Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. who is the sponsoring organization of the campaign. “At Tome Un Respiro, we will provide resources and tools that will advance the course of COPD disease management.”

Tome Un Respiro provides patients, families, and caregivers with the support and information necessary to understand and manage COPD. Spanish-language materials available online include a “Living Well With COPD” booklet, COPD glossary of terms, COPD causes and treatments, and additional resources and screening tools.

COPD is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S., and with the growing Hispanic population in the country, it is increasingly important to educate the community about this life-threatening disease that affects an estimated 24 million Americans, half of whom remain undiagnosed.

“Early detection of COPD is critical in helping to combat this life-threatening disease,” said Mark J.  Rosen, MD, Master FCCP, medical director for CHEST. “We see a major gap in awareness and education about COPD in the Hispanic community and want to ensure that everyone has the best information on the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care options associated with COPD.”