Kopsi Foundation

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to prevent Legionnaires’ disease through public education, pass legislation in state legislatures focusing on preventing Legionnaires’ disease, and promote of safe water practices. We work to raise awareness, support research, and advocate for stronger standards that protect individuals and communities from this serious but preventable illness.

Objectives of the organization are to:

1. Promote Legislative Action:
   Advocate for the passage of comprehensive water safety legislation in Pennsylvania and other states to mandate testing, reporting, and prevention protocols for Legionella bacteria in public and private buildings.
2. Raise Public Awareness:
   Educate the public about the causes, risks, and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease to increase early detection and reduce outbreaks.
3. Support Scientific Research:
   Fund and collaborate on research into better detection methods, treatment options, and effective water management strategies for Legionella prevention.
4. Build Strategic Partnerships:
   Work with public health agencies, legislators, medical professionals, and environmental engineers to create a unified response to the threat of Legionnaires’ disease.
5. Provide Resources and Training:
   Offer tools, workshops, and training programs to empower stakeholders with the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to Legionella outbreaks.
6. Ensure Accountability and Transparency:
   Push for public disclosure of Legionella testing results and outbreak investigations to hold responsible parties accountable and protect at-risk populations.

Current Legislation

Various states have already passed or are in the process of passing legislation aimed at preventing Legionnaires’ disease. New Jersey has a statute which is comprehensive in nature and can be found here.