Better Breathers Club

Nearly 5% of North Platte residents are affected by some kind of lung disease, including COPD. As the COPD Navigator at Great Plains Health, Andy Gochenhour works with patients to help manage and control the disease.  

When he saw the need for a support group to help his patients, he was directed to the American Lung Association in Nebraska. He completed the training to be the group coordinator, and the Better Breathers Club Great Plains began meeting earlier this year in February, starting with four members and growing to 15 members recently.

“This free program helps my patients who were formerly unsupported in this way,” Andy said. “It lets them interact in a caring and supportive community.”

 The group helps people to move forward from a diagnosis and find ways to help them cope at home, Andy said. “When people can’t breathe, panic sets in, and it becomes more of a problem than it needs to be. That’s why the group is so important; it helps them with strategies they can implement at home.”

 Additionally, the support network of the group helps take the scare out of a diagnosis, Andy said. “It lets people get help to manage the disease process and reduces anxiety and fear.”

 The Better Breathers Club Great Plains meets the third Thursday of the month at 3:00 p.m. at the hospital, and there is no sign-up or charge required. “Great Plains is at the forefront of respiratory care,” Andy said. “We are providing people with better care outside the hospital so they can cope better with the disease.”