Asthma

Asthma is a very common disease in Oklahoma as well as across the nation. The disease affects the quality of life for the individual with asthma as well as thier family and community. (Strategic Plan for Asthma in Oklahoma, Oklahoma Asthma Initiative)

In the US asthma affects 14 million to 15 million persons
It is the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting an estimated 4.8 million children
People with asthma collectively have more than 100 million days of restricted activity and 470,000 hospitalizations annually.
Asthma is more common among persons of color and persons who reside in urban communities.
More than 5, 000 people die of asthma annually.

The Oklahoma Asthma Initiative- www.asthmaok.org A statewide partnership of health and social care organizations and professionals, advocates, and individuals who have asthma or caregivers of asthma. Their mission: To improve the health stauts of Oklahomans affected by asthma.

Asthma In Schools links

Tools for Schools- Indoor Air Quality Tools For Schools

Many indoor air quality problems in schools can impact the health of students and staff, including those with asthma.

To help improve indoor air quality problems in school buildings, the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools Action Kit was developed. This kit helps school personnel identify, solve, and prevent indoor air quality problems in the school environment.

For more information on Indoor Air Quality Tools For School go to www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/links.html or e-mail steps@cherokee.org

Other National Asthma Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "Strategies for Addressing Asthma Within a Coordinated School Health Program"

The CDC document "Strategies for Addressing Asthma Within a Coordinated School Health Program" provides a concise list of strategies with accompanying actions for schools to take to help students manage asthma through a coordinated approach.

National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) "Managing Asthma: A Guide For Schools"

This guide is intended to assist schools that are planning and/or maintaining an asthma management program. This guide provides followup steps for schools that currently identify students with asthma through health forms or emergency cards or plan to do so. It is designed to offer practical information to school staff members of every position.

American Lung Association (ALA) "Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative"(AFSI)

The American Lung Association, along with key partners, started the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative (AFSI) in 2001 as a cooperative agreement with the Center's for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Adolescent and School Health to assist local communities and community organizations in planning and implementing comprehensive asthma management programs within their local schools and existing school structure. Program information and the asthma friendly tool kit is available.