The COPD Foundation (COPDF) is celebrating a decade of helping more than 24 million Americans living with COPD, through research, public health awareness, and educational materials for patients, caregivers, and medical professionals.

The organization was established in 2004, and since then the COPDF has fostered life-changing research and developed comprehensive educational programs that have generated support from all members of the COPD community.

“COPDF was created in direct response to the scarcity of resources, education and information about the disease that left many patients, families and caregivers with nowhere to turn for help,” says John W. Walsh, president and co-founder of the COPDF. “Since our inception, COPDF has evolved and progressed, providing vital services to the public, increasing understanding and awareness about lung health, and aiding the development of new drugs and therapies. Moving forward, we will build upon our successes and continue to help those living with COPD achieve their highest quality of life.”

A few of the COPDF’s signature research initiatives include:

  • The COPD Biomarker Qualification Consortium (CBQC) to help fast track research for better treatment;
  • The COPDGene Study, which looks at genetic factors that can contribute to an individual’s risk for developing COPD;
  • COPD Information Line, a toll-free number staffed by associates who are also patients and caregivers who assist those impacted by COPD;
  • DRIVE4COPD, a joint awareness campaign with NASCAR to generate awareness and encourage COPD screenings;
  • The Bronchiectasis Research Registry, a consolidated database of 1,715 patients affected with certain subsets of COPD;
  • The COPD Research Registries, a confidential database of 2,273 individuals living with COPD or at risk of developing COPD;
  • COPD Pocket Consultant Guide, a practical tool to help clinicians manage the diagnosis and treatment of COPD patients; and
  • The COPD Digest, a free magazine on COPD that offers practical advice, news and information on treatment and resources to COPD patients, healthcare providers, families, and caregivers.

Most recently, COPDF created an open access journal, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation. The journal will launch in May 2014.

“As we recognize our 10th anniversary, we are grateful to the many individuals and organizations dedicated to bringing hope to everyone affected by COPD, and reaffirm our commitment to making a difference in individual lives and communities, across the nation and around the world,” said Walsh.