Whereas, The State of Michigan has long been concerned with the health of its citizens; and,

Whereas, Chronic lung diseases, known collectively as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States; and,

Whereas, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cost the United States an estimated $31.9 billion a year; and,

Whereas, 16 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with some form of COPD and the same number of individuals go undiagnosed; and,

Whereas, Awareness, early detection and treatment are crucial in the prevention or slowing of the spread of lung disease in this country; and,

Whereas, The Citizens of Michigan deserve the opportunity to grow, thrive, be healthy and be informed and aware of their respiratory health and of the factors that affect that health; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2003, as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month in the State of Michigan, and I urge all citizens to help raise awareness of the prevalence of COPD and the serious effects associated with the disease.