FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 15

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1608L.01I

      Whereas, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and the only one of the top five causes of death for which the prevalence and death rate are rising; and

            Whereas, COPD is a chronic, progressive disease which impacts over 175,000 residents of Missouri and 24 million Americans; and

            Whereas, the annual cost to the nation for COPD in 2004 was estimated to be $37 billion; and

            Whereas, early diagnosis and management of COPD can effectively reduce the overall financial burden of the illness within public programs such as Medicaid; and

            Whereas, proper management of COPD can lead to improved quality of life and self-sufficiency on the part of patients with COPD cared for within public programs; and

            Whereas, disease management has been demonstrated to reduce overall costs of care and increase quality of life for patients with chronic diseases, especially when targeted to appropriate conditions and patients; and

            Whereas, November is COPD Awareness Month and November 21, 2007, is COPD Awareness Day:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fourth General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby recognize November 2007 as "COPD Awareness Month" and November 21, 2007, as "COPD Awareness Day" in Missouri; and

            Be it further resolved that the General Assembly supports and encourages the Division of Medical Services within the Department of Social Services in its efforts with regard to disease management and including COPD in the Department's chronic care improvement program in an effort to reduce the financial and clinical burden of COPD on the Medicaid program and the citizens of Missouri.

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