To the Editor,

Oct. 2nd was World Oxygen Day.

As a Respiratory Therapist at Rhode Island Hospital, every day I work with people living with chronic lung disease who often struggle to breathe. Thanks to advancements in research and treatments, many people living with advanced COPD can live active and normal lives as long as they have access to the appropriate form of supplemental oxygen.

Supplemental oxygen requires special equipment like compressed oxygen using a tank, liquid oxygen, oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators. Some of the equipment is so heavy that it is difficult for a person to leave their home and unfortunately, too many people face challenges in getting the right type and levels of oxygen required for day-to-day activities. We have the right technology, but my patients won’t be able to access the right equipment unless Congress acts to reform access to supplemental oxygen.

Thankfully, new legislation called the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act was introduced in Congress. It will ensure that everyone who needs oxygen has access to the right type and levels of oxygen. For World Oxygen Day, please join me in urging our federal delegation to push to get the SOAR Act done this year and help everyone in Rhode Island breathe easier. For people living with lung disease and/or rely on supplemental oxygen, learn more at Lung.org.

Angela Butler, of Cranston, a Respiratory Therapist at Rhode Island Hospital

EDITOR’S NOTE: The author is a Cranston resident and a Board Member of the American Lung Association in Rhode Island.