HR 117 (LSB 6180HH (2) 85)

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 117

BY  L. MILLER, BERRY, STECKMAN, and FORRISTALL

A Resolution recognizing the health threat posed by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

   WHEREAS, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to refer to a group of diseases that cause airflow obstruction and breathing related problems, and includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases, asthma and severe bronchiectasis; and
   WHEREAS, in 2008, COPD became the third leading cause of death in the United States, and unlike other major causes of death, its prevalence has not significantly declined in recent years; and
   WHEREAS, COPD is a chronic and progressive disease that has been diagnosed in an estimated 117,540 Iowans and 13 million persons nationwide, 66 percent of whom are under age 65; and
   WHEREAS, nationwide, the annual cost of COPD in 2010 was projected to be $49.9 billion through health care costs, loss of productivity, and deterioration of personal health and well-being; and
   WHEREAS, the American Association for Respiratory Care reports that nationally just over half of all persons with COPD report that their condition limits their ability to work and 34 percent say that COPD keeps them from working; and
   WHEREAS, although there is no cure for COPD, increased public awareness, early detection, and proper health management can slow the progression of the disease, reduce costs, and improve patients’ quality of life and self-sufficiency; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives recognizes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a chronic health condition in Iowa which contributes to increasing health care costs and decreasing productivity of the citizens of this state.