Helping Patients With COPD Breathe Easier Across the Country, with Amit Mahajan, M.D.
A new initiative from the American Lung Association is making COPD care more accessible, especially for people in rural or underserved areas.
By
Lana Pine
| Published on August 5, 2025
2 min read
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — which includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis — affects millions of Americans, especially those in rural and underserved areas, where care can be harder to access. According to Amit “Bobby” Mahajan, M.D., a national spokesperson for the American Lung Association (ALA), the goal of the ALA’s Living Well with COPD campaign is to change that by providing free, personalized education, support and resources to help people with COPD live better, no matter where they are.
The campaign focuses on reaching people who might not have easy access to pulmonologists or clinics. A key part of the program is the use of “COPD Navigators” — real people who work one-on-one with patients to help them understand their condition, access care and make a plan for managing their symptoms. Whether someone was recently diagnosed or has been living with COPD for years, navigators are there to help patients feel seen, heard and supported.
Mahajan emphasized that many people with COPD don’t know what to expect or when to act. For example, someone might feel short of breath even if their oxygen levels look OK. Education can help people understand that there’s more to the disease than numbers — and that there are ways to feel better. From pulmonary rehab and oxygen therapy to newer treatments like bronchoscopic valve procedures, there are many tools available today to improve symptoms and slow progression.
He also stressed the importance of stopping smoking, recognizing COPD flare-ups early, and learning how to manage environmental triggers like heat and pollution. Something as simple as wearing a mask or staying indoors on high-pollution days can prevent a serious setback.
Most importantly, Mahajan wants patients to know that COPD doesn’t have to keep getting worse. With the right knowledge and support, people can improve their health and quality of life. “COPD is treatable,” he emphasizes. Stay active. Stay connected. And use the resources available to you.
To learn more or get connected with a COPD Navigator, visit lung.org.
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