November 2025: COPD Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease caused by damage to the airways or parts of the lungs that blocks airflow and makes it hard to breathe; and,

WHEREAS, an estimated 30 million Americans are affected by COPD, but only 17 million Americans are diagnosed; and,

WHEREAS, the COPD prevalence in insured individuals in the state of Michigan in 2021 was 10.40%; and,

WHEREAS, the death rate for COPD has doubled since 1969, even as the number of deaths for other chronic conditions has declined; and,

WHEREAS, COPD is the fourth main cause of disability and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, the total mean medical treatment costs attributable to COPD for Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance in 2019 in the state of Michigan was $980,776,000; and,

WHEREAS, the projected cost attributable to COPD in 2029 is $60.5 billion, which is nearly twice the 2019 estimated costs of $31.3 billion; and,

WHEREAS, while the primary risk factor for COPD is smoking, approximately 25 percent of people with COPD have never smoked; and,

WHEREAS, other risk factors for COPD include long-term exposure to lung irritants, air pollutants, a history of asthma or childhood respiratory infections, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and those with underdeveloped lungs; and,

WHEREAS, people living in poverty and rural communities are at higher risk for COPD; and,

WHEREAS, this debilitating disease is not curable, COPD is both preventable and treatable; and,

WHEREAS, state and local health departments play a pivotal role in chronic disease prevention, tobacco prevention, general health promotion and education, and the promotion of other relevant health initiatives, all of which can help inform the public of COPD; and,

WHEREAS, COPD Awareness Month is an appropriate time to recognize commitment to public policy improvements, the accomplishments of community organizations, state agencies, and most importantly, the achievements of individuals with COPD who contribute daily to our communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2025 as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month in Michigan and commend the many community organizations and agencies whose programs and awareness efforts have assisted in improving the quality of life for those living with COPD.