[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 46 (Monday, November 19, 2001)]
[Page 1631]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7495--Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Month, 2001

November 9, 2001

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Approximately 16 million American adults suffer from a devastating 
disease for which there is no cure. The disease is called Chronic 
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and it is a growing problem in 
this country and throughout the world. COPD claims more than 100,000 
lives per year, drains the American economy of an estimated $30.4 
billion each year, and is the fourth leading cause of death in the 
United States today, exceeded only by heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
    COPD is a medical term for a group of respiratory conditions that 
includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD results in gradual, 
irreversible damage to the lungs. Since the symptoms progress gradually, 
COPD patients may not even realize in the early stages that they have 
the disease. Over the years, as the lung damage continues, breathing 
becomes increasingly difficult.
    Although some patients have an inherited version of the disease, 
smoking is the most common cause of COPD. Exposure to toxic substances 
in the environment such as industrial pollutants, aerosol sprays, 
nontobacco smoke, and internal combustion engine exhaust may also 
aggravate or contribute to COPD. While our ultimate goal is to prevent 
this often-fatal disease, we now need better treatments. Chronic 
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Month offers us the opportunity to 
increase our knowledge of this disease and to consider what we can do to 
reduce its occurrence.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2001, as Chronic 
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Month. I call upon the people of the 
United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, 
ceremonies, and activities to raise awareness of COPD and its impact on 
communities and to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from 
the disease.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of 
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:34 a.m., November 14, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
November 15. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.