Despite medical advances, the morbidity and mortality of children with asthma is increasing. Low-income and minority populations having a higher prevalence and greater disease severity. A recent study in Chicago revealed the rates of asthma among 7th and 8th graders to be 16% - over twice the national average, and the number one cause of school absenteeism in Illinois. Inadequate access to health care which includes on-going asthma management, insufficient and culturally insensitive health education, inability to obtain medication and devices such as spacers and peak flow meters, and barriers such as lack of transportation and childcare, suggest that efforts to address the asthma crisis must be comprehensive and inclusive. While treatment of the disease and reduction of mortality rates is of critical importance. Mobilization of community participation in using existing technology/ information/materials cannot be minimized. Two programs in Chicago engage the participation of community health workers as asthma educators in school and community-based programs designed to improve the management of asthma in children. Asthma educators participate in 20 hours of training, provide education and support to children and their families, assist families in the development of an asthma management plan, and provide referrals to primary care providers. In both programs the experience for the educators is transformative for the families they support and themselves. This presentation will include a description of both programs, training content and methodology, and reflections about the experience from one asthma educator.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to: 1. List three factors related to increased incidence and severity of asthma among low-income minority, urban populations. 2. Describe successful components of community health worker asthma programming. 3. Describe components and methodologies for training community asthma educators
Keywords: Asthma, Community Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: N/A
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.