WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The COPD Foundation today unveiled the results of the completed Faces of COPD Mosaic, a nationwide photo mosaic initiative designed to raise awareness about the importance of disease education for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Throughout November during COPD Awareness Month, the Foundation and AstraZeneca engaged with the COPD community to develop this photo mosaic, which showcases those living with the disease through the collection of photos of patients living with COPD. The mosaic represents the more than 14 million people diagnosed with COPD in the United States, and the estimated 12 million people who remain undiagnosed.
Commemorating World COPD Day, the completed mosaic is live on the Foundation’s website and will be on display in physician offices throughout the country, encouraging patients with COPD to take proactive steps in talking with their doctor on how to best manage their symptoms. COPD is estimated to cause about 700,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States, and although treatable, it is the third leading cause of death among Americans.
“The COPD Foundation remains committed to improving the quality of life of those impacted by COPD, through research and disease education,” says John Walsh, President and Co-founder of the COPD Foundation. “We are thrilled to share the results of our collaboration with AstraZeneca around this patient centric initiative. Together, we hope to inspire people living with COPD to take action to improve their respiratory health.”
Faces of COPD is a disease awareness program established by the COPD Foundation in 2008, with the intent to put a “face” to the disease, connect those affected by COPD with a community to engage in important disease awareness conversations and build a strong focus around respiratory health. This year’s Faces of COPD Mosaic initiative was developed by AstraZeneca.
“COPD is a highly personal disease that affects each patient differently," said Chris Blango, VP US Medical Affairs, Respiratory, AstraZeneca. “As part of AstraZeneca’s longstanding commitment to respiratory patients, we are proud to be a part of this collaborative effort to bring the COPD community together and help foster a dialogue around this serious disease.”
To join an online COPD community, access resources and disease education material, visit www.COPD360social.org.
About the COPD Foundation
The COPD Foundation was established to undertake initiatives that result in expanded services for COPD and to improve the lives of individuals affected by COPD. The Foundation’s activities focus on achieving these results through research, education and advocacy programs that will lead to prevention and a cure for this disease. For more information about the COPD Foundation please visit www.copdfoundation.org.
