Detroit Alliance for Asthma Awareness

History
Detroit Asthma Statistics






*Asthma affects approximately 13.7% of adults; that is significantly higher than 9% of adults with asthma in the state of Michigan.







*Asthma prevalence rate for children is 29%;three times the national average.







*Leading chronic condition causing of school absenteeism.







*Leading cause of preventable hospitalizations for children under 18.







*Pediatric asthma hospitalization rate is 4 times greater than the Healthy People 2010 target rate.













The Detroit Asthma Coalition (DAC) had been providing asthma awareness in Detroit for seven years. The purpose of DAC was to raise asthma awareness and provide asthma management training for health care personnel. Several staff represented Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion (DHWP) as DAC members.













In September 2004, DHWP created the Center for Asthma Education, Management, and Policy (DHWP-CAEMP) to develop and implement a comprehensive asthma management program for the city of Detroit, the first such program for asthma in the City.













To assist with this endeavor, DHWP-CAEMP identified organizations and community members involved in asthma programs and projects in the City and invited them to work as a collaborative to address the asthma problem in Detroit. The collaborative partnership became the Detroit Alliance for Asthma Awareness (Alliance). DAC was one of the original 15 members of the Alliance. Due to the vision expressed and strong leadership by the DHWP-CAEMP Administrator and Alliance Chair, the DAC Executive Board decided to dissolve DAC in October 2004 and transfer all of their resources to the Alliance.













Currently, the Alliance members represent a broad spectrum of community-based organizations, health care organizations, school systems, state agencies, and citizens. With participation from groups representing African-Americans, Hispanics, Arabs/Chaldean, and Caucasians, the Alliance is ethnically diverse.











The comprehensive program is for both children and adults with a particular focus on the uninsured and underinsured asthma population and those considered high-risk.In addition to people with asthma, education and outreach activities include but are not limited to health care personnel (including those in the schools), community-based organizations, children, parents, faith-based organizations, school personnel, day care providers, employers, managed care organizations, housing agencies, and policy makers.













For more information on the Alliance, to become a member, or to schedule asthma management workshops, please contact Rita Nabor at 313-819-4641 or rlnabor@aol.com.

Mission






Mission Statement:











"The mission of the Detroit Alliance for Asthma Awareness is to conduct comprehensive Asthma education, training and outreach activities throughout the City of Detroit. The Alliance will aim to reduce the number of asthma episodes that result in Emergency Room visits, hospitalizations and, missed school or work days. Ultimately, the Alliance will strive to improve the quality of life for people with asthma."

Location
Detroit / Wayne County
P.O. Box 35156
Detroit, Michigan 48235

Contact
Rita Nabor
313.819.4641
rlnabor@aol.com

Washtenaw Asthma Coalition

History
The Washtenaw Asthma Coalition (WAC) was originally formed in 1995 as the Asthma Surveillance Team (AST). AST was convened as an ad hoc work group of local asthma experts with the objective of writing and disseminating recommendations in response to data showing that areas of the County had asthma rates higher than both the State and Nation. The Asthma Profile of Washtenaw County: Findings of the Washtenaw County/Asthma Surveillance Team, completed in 1997, still are considered to be a benchmark in the surveillance and development of objectives in the State of Michigan. A copy of the report can be found at:




http://www.co.washtenaw.mi.us/DEPT/HEALTH/ASTHMA.pdf.







In 1999 AST changed their name to the Washtenaw Asthma Coalition and started the process of developing a broader membership and more formalized structure. Membership in WAC remains voluntary with in-kind support from members’ organizations. The Project Director position is jointly funded through the Washtenaw County Health Department, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Health System, and the University of Michigan Health System.

Mission
Strategic planning started in November 2001. The membership convened and developed a new mission and vision.




The mission of the Washtenaw Asthma Coalition is to prevent the development of asthma and to improve the quality of life of asthmatics through community-wide collaboration.




The vision of the Washtenaw Asthma Coalition is that:


· All providers are practicing consistent evidence-based medicine resulting in decreased emergency room visits, fewer lost school and work days, fewer hospital admissions for asthma;


· Individuals with asthma and their families, know and practice appropriate self-management; and,


· The community takes action to prevent and manage asthma.




The following targets were selected:


· Within the targeted zip codes, school personnel who most interact with asthmatics (teachers, coaches, students, parent organizations, school boards)


· Individuals with high rates of acute, emergent and urgent care use, all ages, both within the targeted zip codes and community-wide


· Informal and formal community-based organizations in the targeted zip codes including neighborhood groups, housing associations, social and civic groups, and potential funding sources


· Primary care providers (family physicians, pediatricians, internists) and their office staff, community-wide, with high use rates in their patient population.

Location
Division of General Pediatrics
University of Michigan Medical System6-22 North Ingalls Bldgl, Box 0456
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0456

Contact
Karla Stoermer Grossman, RN, BSN, AE-C
734-936-0038
kstoerme@umich.edu

Mid-Michigan Asthma Coalition

History
Approximately 37 individuals attended the first meeting of what is now known as the Mid-Michigan Asthma Coalition (M-MAC) in April of 1999. The first meeting was held in an effort to gauge interest in a coalition dedicated to the problem of asthma in our community.

Sparked by an increasing awareness of the challenges asthma presents in our community, individuals expressed at the first meeting that they were interested in seeing the efforts of a local asthma coalition continue.


During the course of the first year, a year that included many meetings dedicated to the forward progress of the M-MAC, participants unanimously agreed that a strategic planning process would help to ensure the future success of the M-MAC.

The Mid-Michigan Asthma Coalition (M-MAC) held a strategic planning retreat at the Kellogg Center on the campus of Michigan State University on May 25, 2000. The purpose of the planning retreat was to identify objectives related to our mission of improving the quality of life of people who have asthma in the greater Lansing area.

An overarching goal that emerged from the strategic planning retreat is to increase total community awareness of appropriate asthma diagnosis and management according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood (NHLBI) and National Asthma Education Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines.

As a result of this, four objectives were identified as having significant relevance to the M-MAC mission. The four objectives are: 1) Patient/Public Education 2) Professional Education 3) Schools/Pre-Schools and 4) Worksites. From the four objectives, priority implementation strategies were developed and then key indicators of achievement were identified. Clearly, we have work to do.

The M-MAC is a broad-based, diverse community coalition that includes members representing: hospitals, local and state public health departments, community based organizations, insurers, pharmaceutical companies, non-profit voluntary health agencies, school districts, professional associations, home care agencies, urban-based organizations, the UAW and the auto industry, Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, Headstart, health clinics and private practice.

Mission
The Mid-Michigan Asthma Coalition mission is to improve the quality of life of people who have asthma by effecting initiatives that will minimize the impact of asthma morbidity and mortality in mid-Michigan communities.




In the spirit of a true partnership, the Mid-Michigan Asthma Coalition will strive to improve the quality of life of people who have asthma so that children may have every opportunity and adults are able to rise to every challenge. This diverse, broad and collaborative partnership will effect initiatives through the sharing of information, the commitment of time, the development of resources and the voice of advocacy. It is with the knowledge that the sum is greater than any one part that the Mid-Michigan Asthma Coalition seeks to minimize the impact of asthma morbidity and mortality in mid-Michigan communities.

Location
Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties
c/o American Lung Association of Michigan403 Seymour Ave.
Lansing, Michigan 48933

Contact
Sharon Page
517-484-4541
Sharon.Page@irmc.org

Asthma Coalition for Northeast Michigan

History

Mission

Location
Alpena Regional Medical Center
1501 W. Chisholm Ave.
Alpena, Michigan 49707

Contact
Martha LaFave
989-356-8187
mlafave@agh.org

Asthma Network of West Michigan

History

Mission
Please visit http://www.paanwm.com/ for more information about the Pediatric & Adult Asthma Network of West Michigan.

Location
Grand Rapids area
Asthma Resource Center for Children200 Jefferson, SE
Grand Rapids , Michigan 49503

Contact
Karen Meyerson, RN, BSN, AE-C
616-732-8984
meyersok@trinity-health.org

Tri-County Asthma Coalition

History
HISTORY

Tri-County Asthma Coalition (TCAC) began in February 1999 by a number of individuals became burdened to address asthma issues in Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties. They strive to fulfill their mission by providing accurate and interesting materials and educational programs that assist the community in understnding and managing their asthma.

MEMBERS

Members of the coalition are mostly medical professionals who volunteer their time and energy to help TCAC accomplish their vision.

ACTIVITIES

TCAC is involved in training medical professionals, schools, and the public though in-service presentations and health fair displays.

JOIN US

Our Contact us for meeting and volunteer information.

Mission
The mission of Tri-County Asthma Coalition is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to improve the quality of life for people with asthma living in Bay, Midland, and Saginaw counties through information and education.

Its vision is though a community effort of information and education, people in Bay, Midland, and Saginaw Counties will become aware of asthma and its affect on the population and the quality of life of those suffering from asthma will be improved.

Location
Covenant Health Care
Plaza North, 4800 Fashion Square Blvd (Saginaw, MI 48604) Mail: Plaza North, 1447 N. Harrison Street, (Saginaw, MI 48602)
Saginaw, Michigan

Contact
Shawn Rittmiller, M. Div., Program Coordinator
989-583-7713
TCACoalition@chs-mi.com

Asthma Coalition of Northwest Michigan

History
Deborah J. Ochs, MD - Medical Director (231) 935-0440

Karen Kain - President (231) 935-6736

Jill Polmateer - Education/Public Relations Chair (231) 941-1155

Deborah Kerner - Finance Committee Chair (231)935-6372

Mission
The Asthma Coalition of Northwest Michigan will serve to improve the quality of life for people affected by asthma through education, awareness, and advocacy. The coalition will strive to improve access and uniformity of care through cooperation and networking in our communities.

View the Grand Traverse Herald article "Coalition helps coaches help students"

Location
Serving Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska, Wexford, Benzie, and Missaukee counties
Munson Medical Center, c/o Respiratory Care1105 6th Street
Traverse City, Michigan 49684

Contact
Karen Kain, MS, RRT-NPS, AE-C
(231) 935-6930
kkain1@mhc.net

Genesee County Asthma Network

History
The Childhood Asthma Task Force was established to educate and advocate for effective and consistent policies to manage and control childhood asthma through research and shared human and financial resources. To address the serious problem of asthma in our community, UM-Flint’s Project for Urban and Regional Affairs (PURA), Priority Children (formerly Priority ‘90), and the American Lung Association of Michigan, initiated a task force on childhood asthma that was organized in September of 1997. The main focus was to establish asthma management priorities to be addressed, and set goals to be achieved by focus groups comprised of member representatives from the fields of health, environment and education.

The educational focus group was concerned with the identification of students with asthma, teaching asthma awareness in the classroom, education of parents, and training of school staff. In addition, the focus group goal was to create a community wide asthma education campaign involving better linkages between schools and the health profession. Through a grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, the Childhood Asthma Task Force was able to coordinate asthma training guidelines for elementary and preschool staff within the which included; Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD), Flint Community Schools, and Genesee County Community Action Agency (GCCAA) Head Start; to train elementary school personnel. The Breathing Space training included:
•    Asthma medication education
•    How to handle emergency situations
•    Adapting the classroom to better suit the needs of asthmatic students
•    Contact information for local asthma resources
Training materials were made available with a resource kit for each elementary school and presented at a series of ongoing asthma workshops. The Health and Nutrition Services Department of the GISD and Flint Community Schools Nutrition Services made the presentations.

The environmental group worked with UM students, faculty, and staff; and other community members interested in asthma related disciplines, in the research aspect of the project. This involved analyzing case studies, identifying strategies to confront or prevent asthma triggers, and initiating at least one research project. Essential research questions to be addressed include:
1.    What emission factors in Genesee County trigger asthma?
2.    Are there areas of high prevalence to target?
3.    What environmental factors contribute to asthma?
An Assessment of Intervention Strategies for Childhood Asthma Management is a community-wide effort of the Enterprise Community, Hurley Medical Center, University Outreach and The Research Excellence Fund of the State of Michigan. PURA is conducting the field study to assess three alternative intervention strategies for the management of childhood asthma in Genesee County. These strategies include:
•    Traditional treatment
•    Traditional treatment combined with an educational component
•    Case management
Parents of asthmatic children will be interviewed twice to examine the barriers that families face. The report will lead to an action plan for the task force to follow.


Members assessed CATF’s status and identified the critical issues that should be addressed for CATF to achieve its mission. The issues identified were:
1.    To mobilize and empower parents of asthmatic children
2.    To improve school education for all personnel
3.    To develop and implement a school asthma assessment tool, and enforcement of environmental risk management criteria
4.    To expand the funding resources of the task force for above projects


All those interested in being a part of this important community project are welcome to join. The Childhood Asthma Task Force is a collaborative effort on the part many community members and organizations. CATF is part of the national 40 member Community Asthma Coalition recognized by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Mission
To improve the quality of life for children with asthma and their families through research, education, advocacy and community partnerships.

Vision

The causes and impacts of asthma are diagnosed and managed in our community

Location
Genesee county
Pediatric Asthma Disease Mgmt.Hurley Medical Center, One Hurley Plaza
Flint, Michigan 48503-5993

Contact
Jan Roberts, RN
810-257-9120
CATF@hurleymc.com

Jackson Asthma Coalition

History
The Jackson Asthma Coalition has been in existance since 1999. The year of 2002 has been one of great change with the election of new leadership and a renewed commitment to assisting the community in obtaining quality asthma care. The coalition membership has grown to nearly 30 dedicated and diverse members whose common goal is to provide education to the Jackson area. The membership roster includes community members, pharmacists, insurance providers, nurses, respiratory therapists, physicians, pharmaceutical representatives, case managers, American Lung Association Representatives and others.


The coalition meets monthly to discuss asthma issues, identify barriers and plan educational offerings for the asthmatic individual.

Mission
Mission Statement





To improve the health status of the asthmatic population in the Jackson Community.


Vision Statement


The Jackson Asthma Coalition will strive to be recognized as a leading resource for both health care providers and asthmatic individuals. Through education and provision of resources the coalition envisions a decrease in hospitalizations and lost school and workdays related to asthma.

Location
Jackson county
1100 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. 102
Jackson, Michigan MI

Contact
April Allen, RRT
517-841-7973
april.allen@allegiancehealth.org

Kalamazoo Area Asthma Coalition

History
The Kalamazoo Area Asthma Coalition (KAAC) was formed in January 2000 to identify and address asthma issues in the Kalamazoo area. In May of 2004, KAAC became a program of the Kalamazoo County Human Services Department. The Kalamazoo County Human Services Department improves the overall health of the community through planning, resource development, and service delivery; so all members of the community can participate in the opportunities, benefits, and responsibilities of society. KAAC Advisory Group members represent more than 60 members from area hospitals, private practices, the health department, schools, and businesses. This multi-disciplinary coalition provides expertise and access to community resources, as well as education and research in support of projects. KAAC offers a collaborative approach in enhancing its role within the community, in a format that enables diverse groups of people and professionals to combine their efforts and work as a team.

The coalition meets monthly to discuss asthma issues affecting the community and its programs, identify barriers and plan educational offering for community resources. Any one interested in becoming a member is encouraged to join.

Mission
The Vision of the Kalamazoo Area Asthma Coalition overall is to improve community health, enhance the quality of life for individuals with asthma and assure standardization of care through use of best practices. In support of the organization’s vision, KAAC will coordinate the assets of the community with local, regional and state endeavors.

Location
Kalamazoo area
3299 Gull RoadKalamazoo MI
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49079-0049

Contact
Jeannie Byrne, Kalamazoo County Human Services Department
269-373-5025
jkbyrn@kalcounty.com

Southwest Michigan Asthma Coalition

History

Mission
To improve the effective management of asthma through education and community action.

Location
Berrien, Cass, VanBuren Counties

, Michigan

Contact
Erin Salvagione
269-927-5148
esalvagione@lakelandregional.org

Lakeshore Lung Asthma Coalition

History

Mission

Location


Muskegon, Michigan

Contact
Helen Sherman
231-672-3201
shermahh@mchp.org