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Florida Asthma Program

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Florida Asthma Program

The Florida Asthma Program coordinates statewide efforts to improve asthma outcomes and reduce disparities. The program, established in 2009, is 100% federally funded under a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The goals of the program are to increase the number of individuals with asthma who receive self-management education and to reduce the number of deaths, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, school or work days missed, and limitations on activity due to asthma. The program facilitates the Florida Asthma Coalition, conducts asthma surveillance, program evaluation, and works specifically to increase the number of childcare centers, schools, and hospitals that implement asthma management programs. Three separate peer networks (sometimes called communities of practice) are being established to facilitate the sharing of strategies amongst childcare center managers, school administrators, and hospital staff. Evidence has shown that training combined with peer support is an effective way to engage new partners and establish sustainable systems.

About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic, or long-term, lung disease. Asthma causes breathing problems and can be life threatening. There is no cure for asthma but it can be prevented and controlled with proper care. People with asthma can live a normal and active life.

Symptoms of an asthma attack can be difficulty with breathing, a tight feeling in the chest, coughing, and wheezing. Asthma can develop quickly and it can range from being a mild discomfort to a life threatening attack if breathing stops completely. Asthma problems are often separated by symptom-free periods.

Find out more about asthma by reading the CDC's "Basic Facts about Asthma", which includes details on the following topics:

Collaborating to Control Asthma:
Improving Quality of Life and Reducing Costs

Asthma is a very common chronic disease that occurs in all age groups. However, asthma is more common and more severe among children; women; low-income, inner-city residents; and African American and Puerto Rican communities. Both morbidity and mortality from asthma are significant. In addition to considerable impacts on quality of life, the economic cost of asthma is sizeable. Costs including direct medical costs (such as hospital admissions and the cost of pharmaceuticals) and indirect costs (such as time lost from work, school absenteeism, and premature death), are borne by individuals, the health care system, and schools.

    Resources for Asthma Management
    Families, communities, schools, childcare centers, health plans, health care providers, hospitals, and others must work together to improve asthma outcomes. This site is designed to help various partners implementing asthma management programs.

    The Florida Asthma Coalition
    The Florida Asthma Coalition (FAC) is a statewide coalition that was established in 2010 to eliminate asthma disparities, improve quality of life, and reduce costs. Active FAC members work to implement a five year strategic plan called the Florida Asthma Plan 2009-2014. Associate FAC members receive information and updates on FAC activities via e-mail news letters and other communication. We hope you will consider joining our efforts!

    Local Asthma Coalitions
    There are several local / regional coalitions in Florida working to improve asthma outcomes within their jurisdictions. Find out about partners in your community!

This page was last modified on: 09/11/2012 03:22:39