Although there is still much we need to learn, evidence is growing about the link between the environment and health. A recent report from the National Academy of Sciences's Institute of Medicine (IOM) found strong, causal evidence linking common indoor substances to the development or worsening of asthma symptoms in susceptible people, including children. Children are particularly vulnerable to certain environmental threats because of their body size and developmental status. Children in poor communities face even greater risks because environmental threats, such as asthma triggers, are often more pervasive but resources to reduce these threats are more limited. This session focuses on collaborative efforts in an agricultural community in Washington State to reduce asthma attacks through a variety of interventions including home visitation, asthma training for care givers, community wide asthma education, and real time air quality monitoring and education. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Child Health Champion Pilot Program to help communities develop and implement action plans to reduce environmental hazards associated with selected child health problems. The goal of Toppenish project is to reduce the need to access health care for preventable asthma exacerbation in children. The Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic and the other members of the Community Team are working with both the EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services on the project.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.