Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean) to raise awareness and combat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was signed into law.

Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation to raise awareness of and combat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was signed into law. (©iStock)

“We need to do more to help the hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents struggling with COPD – the third leading cause of death in the U.S.,” said Senator Singer. “By establishing a task force to evaluate how we can raise awareness and expand community resources, we are helping countless New Jerseyans with COPD live fuller, happier lives.”

Legislation I sponsor to raise awareness and combat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is now law. https://t.co/wV2L4yDcW4

— Senator Bob Singer (@bobsingernj) November 9, 2015

Senator Singer’s bill, S-2459, ignites an aggressive effort to fight COPD by creating an 11-member task force to investigate strategies to promote awareness on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. The task force will also study the resources that are used statewide to combat COPD and determine the best way to improve the quality and accessibility of community-based services for those living with this disease. Nearly 451,000 people – 5.1 percent of New Jersey’s population – are living with COPD, according to the most recent statistics available from the CDC.

Thank you @bobsingernj for introducing & @GovChristie for signing S2459 & supporting the nearly 451,000 people in NJ with #COPD!

— Lung Association NJ (@AmericanLungNJ) November 10, 2015