CROSSVILLE – Cumberland Medical Center and the COPD Foundation are partnering to provide educational information and support to those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The hospital will host a monthly COPD support group beginning Feb. 23 and will feature information about COPD at its upcoming “Tea with CMC” March 29.
According to the COPD Foundation, nearly 9 percent of Tennesseans are affected by COPD, which includes progressive lung diseases such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. Learning how to manage the condition can empower patients to increase their quality of life and help reduce their risk of hospital readmission.
“COPD is a complex disease,” Cumberland Medical Center cardiopulmonary and cardiac rehab manager Jeremy Backstrom said. “Education will not only help others learn how to manage their health, but also allow them to build relationships with others who understand and share their experiences.”
The COPD support group will hold its first monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, in the Conference Center Room B at Cumberland Medical Center located at 421 S. Main St. Caregivers and those with COPD are encouraged to attend. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling (931) 459-7148. The support group will continue to meet on the last Tuesday of each month.
In addition, the hospital will host a Tea with CMC program about “Living with COPD” at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 29. COPD Foundation community program manager Susan Williams will present. The tea will be held at Art Circle Library located at 3 E. St. in Crossville, and light refreshments will be provided. The program is free of charge; however, reservations are requested by calling (931) 459-4262.
“We are excited to partner with Cumberland Medical Center,” Williams, who is also a registered respiratory therapist, said. “I hope people with COPD and their caregivers will come to learn ways they can make the most of each and every day.”
