Helping Our Community Breathe Easier
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects millions of Americans, yet many people do not know they have it until symptoms become severe. At Bay Area Community Health, the focus is on helping community members manage COPD and other respiratory conditions so they can breathe more comfortably and live healthier lives.
Why COPD Matters
COPD, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, makes breathing difficult and can drastically reduce quality of life. Causes include smoking, long-term exposure to pollutants, and untreated respiratory infections. More than 16 million Americans have been diagnosed, and many more may be undiagnosed.
Program Spotlight: Cleaner Air for Patients
Bay Area Community Health’s air purifier program provided free air purifiers to residents with COPD, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. By reducing exposure to indoor irritants, the program helped patients manage their symptoms and improve daily comfort.
Program Reach
The initiative served 186 patients across San Jose, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Milpitas, Mountain View, Santa Clara, and Campbell. Participants included children, young adults, and older adults, reflecting the wide-ranging impact of lung conditions. Nearly half identified as Hispanic or Latino, alongside African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, White, Asian, and multi-racial individuals.
Patient Stories:
Maria, 62, with COPD in San Jose: “I can finally breathe easier in my own home. It feels like I have my life back.”
Jose, 10, with asthma in Gilroy: “The air purifier keeps his room safe and comfortable. He sleeps so much better now.”
Ongoing Support
Bay Area Community Health also offers tobacco cessation counseling, behavioral health services, and telehealth visits to help patients manage their conditions conveniently and effectively.
Tips for Better Lung Health: Avoid smoke and pollutants, take medications as prescribed, stay active, and practice daily breathing exercises.
“Every breath matters. At Bay Area Community Health, we help community members live fully, breathe freely, and feel supported every step of the way.”
For More Information: info.tobacco@bach.health | info.IBH@bach.health