The evolving role of COPD patient advocacy organizations for COPD

Historically, individuals with COPD have not engaged in organized patient advocacy activities, but there is an increasing global realization that COPD patients need to work together to advocate for improved COPD care and prevention. In the U.S., groups of patients sometimes had an opportunity to participate in support groups or Better Breather clubs; however, it was clear that the COPD community in the U.S. did not have a unified voice and most individuals affected never had access or knowledge of any peer group activities.