AR SR13

Designates November 2014 as COPD Awareness Month in Arkansas to promote public awareness, education, and early diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

COPD affects over 24 million Americans and kills more than 124,000 annually, with an estimated 7.5% of Arkansas citizens affected and COPD being the third-leading cause of death in the state.

COPD costs the nation an estimated $49.9 billion annually in direct and indirect health care costs, including 1.5 million emergency room visits and 726,000 hospitalizations.

Death rates for women with COPD have surpassed those for men, with women over 40 representing the fastest-growing segment developing this irreversible disease.

No cure for COPD currently exists, though spirometry testing and medical treatments can provide symptom relief and possibly slow disease progression.