Drive4COPD achieves record

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — A coalition of companies, celebrities and health organizations has achieved its goal of screening 1 million Americans for risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Drive4COPD announced the milestone Wednesday, saying its aim was to change how COPD is addressed in the United States; Drive4COPD identified those at risk through its COPD Population Screener.

COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

“For many, taking the brief, five-question screener may be the first indication that they are at risk for COPD,” COPD Alliance chairman Brian Carlin said. “The results of the screener can prompt those at risk to have a conversation with a healthcare professional and, if needed, [to] take steps to prevent irreversible lung damage.”

The coalition also said that it had shared information on COPD with millions of other people, in addition to the 1 million it screened.

“We are thrilled that in just one year, we have already made a mark on reaching the millions of people who may be at risk for COPD,” Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals SVP Chris Barrett said. “With our campaign partners, we’ve been able to reach a far greater audience than we ever could have alone, and we welcome other partners to join our mission.”