AR72 - Relative to COPD Awareness Month.

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION House Resolution No. 72 Introduced by Assembly Member Carrillo September 02, 2025 Relative to COPD Awareness Month. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST HR 72, as introduced, Carrillo. Digest Key Bill Text 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 30,000,000 Americans are affected by COPD but only 17,000,000 are diagnosed; and WHEREAS, In 2021, the prevalence of COPD in insured individuals in California was 5.6 percent; 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, In 2019, the total mean medical treatment costs attributable to COPD for Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance in California was $2,000,450,000; and WHEREAS, The projected cost attributable to COPD in 2029 is $60,500,000,000, which is nearly twice the 2019 estimated cost of $31,300,000,000; 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 or air pollutants, a history of asthma or childhood respiratory infections, an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and having underdeveloped lungs; and WHEREAS, People living in poverty and rural communities are at a higher risk for COPD; and WHEREAS, While COPD is an incurable and debilitating disease, it is both preventable and treatable; and WHEREAS, State and local health departments play pivotal roles in chronic disease prevention, tobacco use prevention, general health promotion and education, and the promotion of other relevant health initiatives, all of which can help inform the public about COPD; and WHEREAS, COPD Awareness Month is an appropriate time to recognize commitment to public policy improvements, as well as the accomplishments of community organizations, state agencies, and, most importantly, the achievements of individuals with COPD who contribute daily to our communities; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That the Assembly hereby recognizes November 2025 as COPD Awareness Month in California and commends the many community organizations and agencies whose programs and awareness efforts have assisted in improving the quality of life for people living with COPD; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.