ATS PRESIDENTIAL CITATION RECOGNIZES STEARNS LEADERSHIP ON CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Washington, Feb 12, 2007 - The American Thoracic Society (ATS) today presented their Presidential Citation to Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala) "in recognition of his leadership in the field of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)."  Said Stearns, "I appreciate this recognition from the ATS and your support for my efforts to highlight COPD. This disease it is the fourth leading cause of death in this nation; that is why I am working to increase public awareness of this disease and pushing for new treatments."

The ATS is an independently incorporated, international educational and scientific society focusing on respiratory and critical care medicine. Today, the Society has approximately 18,000 members working to prevent respiratory disease around the globe through research, education, patient care, and advocacy.