Meet Your COPD Foundation Captains!

COPD Foundation Captains are volunteers with COPD, caregivers, friends and family members or healthcare providers who use their contacts and talents and partner with the COPD Foundation to serve as state and community leaders.

Captains promote the importance of becoming a part of the COPD community. They work to spread COPD awareness in their state and local areas, mentor fellow COPD community members, and participate in online and in-person grassroots advocacy and community building activities focused on health policy issues that are important to those who have COPD. If you are interested in joining our group of volunteers, click here.

If you'd like to speak with a COPD Foundation Captain directly, please email statecaptains@copdfoundation.org and we will connect you with the Captain in your area of interest.


Richard Burton

Richard Burton Profile Photo Gold Beach, OR


As a registered respiratory care practitioner and AACVPR certified pulmonary rehabilitation specialist, I have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of COPD. My passion for improving patient outcomes and increasing awareness of the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation has led me to become a Pulmonary Disease Educator.

In my role as a COPD Captain, I am committed to building a strong network of healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and community leaders to advocate for policies and funding that support COPD patients and the pulmonary rehabilitation programs that benefit them. I believe that by working collaboratively with others who share my passion, we can make a significant impact on the lives of patients with COPD.

Through my advocacy efforts, I am determined to increase awareness of the program among patients and healthcare providers. I understand that the success of any program or initiative requires a team effort, and I am dedicated to working towards our shared goals of improving patient outcomes and advocating for those who are living with COPD. I want to help patients find their best life with COPD — a life with health, happiness, and hope.

In my free time, I'm an EMS instructor, firefighter, EMT, and member of Search and Rescue Team. On occasion you'll find me hosting a Better Breathers class, or teaching wilderness EMS or BLS/ACLS classes throughout the state of Oregon.

 



COPD Foundation State Captain Program Informational Video

The COPD Foundation is looking for new State Captains to join our community to be champions for promoting COPD awareness, improving quality of life for those with COPD, to participate in research opportunities, policy, and much more. Email statecaptains@copdfoundation.org for questions and to start the onboarding process today!