This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
How do we improve lung health in the U.S.?
Supporting lung health education and dissemination efforts
Challenge
Lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are among the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI’s) Office of Science Policy, Engagement, Education, and Communications provides clear, compelling, and scientifically accurate information and resources through their health education programs like Learn More Breathe Better®. Program materials must engage stakeholders and broaden the national understanding of the importance of lung health and the diagnosis, management, and treatment of lung disease.
Solution
Westat worked with NHLBI to
- Assess existing program efforts and make recommendations informed by formative research, health communication best practices, and disease-specific trends
- Identify and engage key stakeholders committed to amplifying messaging and/or share resources through their channels
- Develop a web-based platform enabling organizations to share their COPD National Action Plan activities
- Support the introduction of updated asthma clinical practice guidelines by engaging with medical professional societies, federal health agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the public
- Provide resources and support to selected organizations to create community-based COPD programs with an emphasis on underserved populations and hard-to-reach communities
Results
Westat has helped NHLBI add 30 partner organizations to the national Breathe Better Network to amplify the reach and impact of lung health messages.
We garnered more than 1.9 billion media impressions through our Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and COPD Awareness Month campaigns that resonate with the public, health advocates, and partners.
Westat expanded NHLBI’s asthma resources to support the updated asthma management guidelines reaching more than 230 million people.
We reached more than 2 million people through the Learn More Breathe Better Community Subcontract Program, which supported community-based organizations’ efforts to reduce the burden of COPD.
Focus Areas
Health Communications Public HealthCapabilities
Communications Partnership Engagement Technical Assistance-
Perspective
Westat Work Shines at 2024 APHSA EMWB ConferenceSeptember 2024
Westat human services experts recently presented at the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)’s Economic Mobility and Well-Being (EMWB) Conference in Portland, Oregon. At the…
-
Perspective
Westat Tools Help Protect Child PassengersSeptember 2024
Vehicle crashes are a major cause of injuries and fatalities among children, a problem safety advocates in the U.S. acknowledge and work to minimize by…
-
Perspective
International Overdose Awareness Day: August 31, 2024August 2024
Overdose continues to impact the lives of so many around the world. The theme of the 2024 International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, 2024, is…