Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is a program of exercise, education, and support to help patents with COPD, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, and other chronic pulmonary disorders, breath and function at the highest level possible.

PR is designed so patients can better understand their breathing, learn how to live better with their condition, and improve strength, stamina, and endurance. PR may reduce shortness of breath and increase activity and the ability to exercise.

Unfortunately, PR is relatively unknown to the general public and patient population. The general lack of awareness, combined with the fact that a patient must be referred to pulmonary rehab by their doctor, means PR is an undercommunicated and underutilized treatment option for those suffering from COPD or other chronic pulmonary disorders.

To address this issue, the Gawlicki Family Foundation awarded a grant of $205,000 to the American Thoracic Society to embark upon a pilot Pulmonary Rehabilitation Awareness Campaign. In partnership with the COPD Foundation, the goal of the campaign is to increase patient, family, and caregiver awareness about this key intervention. Moreover, the campaign aims to empower patients to request this intervention directly from their health care providers.  

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) improves global health by advancing research, patient care, and public health in pulmonary disease, critical illness, and sleep disorders. Founded in 1905 to combat tuberculosis, the ATS has grown to tackle asthma, COPD, lung cancer, sepsis, acute respiratory distress, and sleep apnea, among other diseases.

To learn more about ATS, visit www.thoracic.org.