Breathing Strong: COPD Awareness in Our Community

In the cold of winter, when breathing itself can feel heavy, we pause to talk about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — a lung disease that makes it hard to breathe and affects millions of Americans. For the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe, raising awareness is about protecting our elders, supporting families, and ensuring no one struggles for breath in silence.

📊 The Crisis in Numbers

• COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.[^1].
• AI/AN people experience higher COPD hospitalization and mortality rates than the general population[^2].
• Nearly 16 million Americans live with COPD, and millions more may be undiagnosed[^3].
  

🌿 The Impact on Indigenous Communities

Elders are especially vulnerable, with COPD often worsened by poverty, smoking, second-hand smoke, and limited healthcare access. For Indigenous communities, historical exposure to poor housing and environmental toxins has also contributed. COPD reduces quality of life, limits participation in cultural activities, and increases the burden on caregivers.

⚠️ Recognizing the Signs of COPD

• Chronic cough or mucus production
• Shortness of breath, especially during activity
• Wheezing
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Fatigue or weakness
  

🌎 Pathways to Prevention

• Quit Smoking / Avoid Secondhand Smoke: The most important prevention step.
• Protect Your Lungs: Stay warm in winter, avoid indoor pollutants, and get flu/COVID vaccines.
• Stay Active: Walking, drumming, and breathing exercises help maintain lung capacity.
• Early Diagnosis: Spirometry and lung function tests help catch COPD early.
  

💜 What You Can Do

• For yourself: If you smoke, seek support to quit. Monitor your breathing and get regular checkups.
• For families: Help loved ones avoid smoke exposure and encourage medical visits.
• For community: Support smoke-free homes and tribal wellness campaigns.
  

📌 Resources for COPD Support

1. American Lung Association – COPD Resources – lung.org/copd
2. NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) – nhlbi.nih.gov/health/copd
3. CDC – COPD Data & Prevention – cdc.gov/copd
4. Indian Health Service – Respiratory Health – ihs.gov
5. Crisis Text Line (24/7) – Text “NATIVE” to 741741, crisistextline.org/native
   

🌅 Closing

Every breath is sacred. Protecting lung health means protecting our people.

Together, we heal.