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