NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Racers and fans attending this weekend’s NHRA’s California Hot Rod Reunion can take part in a free COPD screening event, thanks to the Right2Breate Project.

Joe Morrison, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Right2Breathe, a non-profit organization that provides education, awareness and free screenings for respiratory medical diseases including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and allergies and other respiratory illnesses, will not only will be competing at this weekend’s NHRA’s California Hot Rod Reunion with Ted Brine’s 1934 five-window Ford coupe Fuel Altered, but will also oversee the screening event. Respiratory therapists and other medical professionals will be on-site at Auto Club Famoso Speedway at a display in the manufacturer's midway to provide Free COPD screenings and spirometry exams, designed to measure lung function and guide patients towards treatment.

Morrison will also complete in the ultra-competitive NE1 category with his Right2Breathe ‘48 Fiat Topolino Nostalgia Altered, which is backed by pharmaceutical companies Novartis and Sunovoin, along with medical-industry leaders NDD Medical, Pack Health, and Drive-Devilbiss Healthcare.

The Right2Breathe Project was co-founded in July 2014 by Morrison and Tim Charlet, two second-generation drag racers who have personal experience as caregivers for family members with pulmonary disease including COPD. The Right2Breathe Campaign is targeted to a passionate fan-base of over 50 million individuals in the United States; who share a common passion for motorsports and automotive industry as the organizational co-founders that due to their vocation or lifestyle choices are at high-risk for developing respiratory medical conditions.

"COPD rings home for me and is the core inspiration for Right2Breathe," stated Morrison. "My father was a plumber for several years that raised me in the sport of NHRA Drag Racing. Together we've had an active role in New Jersey supporting COPD education, screening and awareness for the past four years. Although he recently passed away due to complications from COPD, my dad's inspiration strengthens our resolve. With this year's NHRA CHRR COPD Screening event, we are expanding our reach to our target demographic. Thanks to the support of Novartis and Sunovion and the fellow network partners we hope to educate the extensive motorsports fan base about the dangers of COPD and provide them with tools and resources to reduce their risk potential."

To learn more about the Right2Breathe Campaign, visit http://www.right2breathe.org.