Whereas, Lung diseases, known collectively at Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States; and,

Whereas, COPD costs the United States economy an estimated $31.9 billion dollars a year; and,

Whereas, 16 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with some form of COPD, with a similar number 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 people of Michigan deserve the opportunity to grow, thrive, and be healthy, informed, and aware of their respiratory health; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2007 as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month.  I encourage citizens to help raise awareness about the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the serious effects associated with it.