CHEST, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. aim to bring COPD awareness to Hispanic population with new campaign

GLENVIEW, Ill., Sept. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The CHEST Foundation, the foundation of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), with support from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., has created the "Tome Un Respiro" Spanish-language campaign to raise awareness among Hispanics in the U.S. about the prevalence, treatment options, and disease management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This COPD awareness campaign offers Spanish-language materials, information, and resources that can be accessed at CHESTnet.org/TomeUnRespiro.

"We saw a need to address the lack of Spanish-language COPD resources available to the Hispanic community," said Henry McMillan, Director, Respiratory Marketing for Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. who is the sponsoring organization of the campaign. "At Tome Un Respiro, we will provide resources and tools that will advance the course of COPD disease management."

Tome Un Respiro provides patients, families, and caregivers with the support and information necessary to understand and manage COPD. Spanish-language materials available online include a "Living Well With COPD" booklet, COPD glossary of terms, COPD causes and treatments, and additional resources and screening tools.

COPD is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S., and with the growing Hispanic population in the country, it is increasingly important to educate the community about this life-threatening disease that affects an estimated 24 million Americans, half of whom remain undiagnosed.

"Early detection of COPD is critical in helping to combat this life-threatening disease," said Mark J.  Rosen, MD, Master FCCP, medical director for CHEST. "We see a major gap in awareness and education about COPD in the Hispanic community and want to ensure that everyone has the best information on the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care options associated with COPD."  

About COPD

COPD is a common lung disease characterized by shortness of breath and wheezing. Patients with COPD have trouble pushing used air out of their lungs, making it difficult to take in healthy new air. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking, a behavior clinicians can work to prevent and help patients overcome. Genetic factors and environmental and occupational elements may also cause COPD.

About CHEST

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research and team-based care. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication and research. CHEST serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 18,700 members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. For more information about CHEST, visit www.chestnet.org.  

CHEST Foundation, the foundation of the American College of Chest Physicians, supports patient and public education programs; grants, awards, and lectures for clinical and translational research; community service and humanitarian programs; and youth tobacco prevention programs. Since 1996, the foundation has provided more than $9 million for outstanding work in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. For more information about the CHEST Foundation, visit www.chestnet.org/foundation.

About Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Sunovion is a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing therapeutic products that advance the science of medicine in the Psychiatry, Neurology and Respiratory disease areas and improve the lives of patients and their families. Sunovion, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., is headquartered in Marlborough, Mass.  More information about Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is available at www.sunovion.com.

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SOURCE CHEST Foundation