TOPICS > Asthma
The Asthma Survey Report
Full Asthma Report (pdf)
Executive Summary (pdf)
"Maine Has the Highest Asthma Rates in New England"
New survey finds Maine with the highest childhood asthma rate in New England: Over 28,000 Maine children with the disease.
Augusta, ME- A recent study released by the Asthma Regional Council identified Maine as having the highest rate of childhood asthma in New England at over 13%. The Council, a coalition of federal, state and voluntary agencies, conducted the survey to get a clearer understanding of the rate of asthma in New England.
Edward Miller, CEO of the American Lung Association of Maine stated, “These new statistics are alarming. They reinforce our efforts in Maine to lessen the impact of this disease on children and families.” This new study has caused the Lung Association to increase its estimate of the number of Maine children with asthma from 20,000 to 28,000.
While asthma cannot yet be cured, it can be controlled. The Lung Association will continue to collaborate with MaineHealth, the Bureau of Health, the Maine Asthma Council and other partners to assure that all Maine children with asthma have access to quality healthcare including medications. The Association is also providing asthma educator training to assure that children with asthma and their families possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the disease.
External factors play a large role in preventing and managing asthma. The Lung Association will continue to fight for improved outdoor air quality. “Our summer air pollution episodes cause preventable problems for everyone, but children with asthma are particularly at risk. Our advocacy activities aimed at healthy transportation and energy policy will benefit everyone, including children with
asthma, “ said Miller.
“We will continue to support funding to improve indoor air quality in our school buildings. No child should be forced to learn in an unhealthy environment. Our ongoing efforts to reduce smoking will both prevent new cases of asthma and protect the lungs of children and adults,”
Miller continued.
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and causes swelling of the airways. It can be disabling and life threatening. It also causes thousands of dollars of preventable hospitalizations each year.
School Asthma Initiatives:
- Exercise & Asthma
A training program designed for physical educators, coaches, elementary teachers, anyone working with children in an activity setting. Participants learn the symptoms of an asthma episode, how to respond appropriately and how to help their students with asthma manage their asthma and participate in physical activities safely. More...
- Safe and Healthy Schools
This project provides guidance to Maine Schools on how to develop and implement a coordinated health and safety plan, including a system for identifying and tracking air quality needs. More...
- Lung Health Walk: Walking for Asthma.
An exciting event that combines a community service project, a physical activity and a fundraising opportunity for the school as well as for ALA-ME.
- ALA-ME supported legislation that will allow a child with asthma, to carry an inhaler in school (with written permission of parents and physician).
- Open Airways-Ah! Asthma Health, Asthma Education program
Revised and being distributed to Asthma Educators. The new education program uses the counseling model and can be used with all ages.
- Asthma Educators Institute
Offered in October 2003, will be held in April 2004. The institute is designed for new asthma educators, those updating their skills, and those preparing to take the National Asthma Educator Certification Exam.
- Asthma Walk-Blow the Whistle on Asthma
Walkers participate in this lung healthy activity to raise funds and awareness to help improve the lives of people living with asthma.
- Maine Asthma Council
ALA-ME continues to be a leader in the efforts of this coalition to implement the Maine Asthma Plan.
- ALA-ME collaborates with the International Center for Action on Air Quality and Health, which was created by the New Brunswick Lung Association to reduce imported air pollution from the Midwest.
- The Maine Indoor Air Quality Council
ALA-ME is an active member of MIAQC. The council is a group of Maine citizens with areas of interest and expertise in various indoor environments and their challenges, i.e. health, ventilation, heating, maintenance, etc.
- Respiratory Health Indicators for Maine (RHIME)
In cooperation with the Public Health Research Group, ALA-ME has developed a database of Respiratory Health Indicators for Maine (RHIME). This system provides the foundation for research, education and advocacy efforts by documenting problems and monitoring progress.
- Environmental Tracking Grant
This project builds on RHIME to develop a system with the Maine Bureau of Health to track the links between environmental air quality and health issues such as asthma.
- Asthma Clinical Research Center (ACRC)
The American Lung Associations of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont founded the northern New England ACRC to find better treatments for asthma. Its first project, addressing asthma and flu shots, was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
