How do we improve lung health in the U.S.?

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
• Conduct research in the form of interviews with partners and other stakeholder organizations to gather insights to inform current and future efforts

Results

Westat has helped NHLBI add nearly 50 new partner organizations to the national Breathe Better Network to amplify the reach and impact of lung health messages.

We garnered more than 3.4 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 3 million people through the Learn More Breathe Better Community Subcontract Program, which supported community-based organizations’ efforts to reduce the burden of COPD.