Development of a national asthma public policy agenda

Asthma remains one of the most prevalent lung diseases, afflicting nearly 23 million Americans. Efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality rates have traditionally concentrated on the medical care model. The history of public health demonstrates that to sustain and expand the impact on the health of millions, including those who are most under-served by current medical care systems, requires intervening at the community, institutional and societal levels. These interventions require policy changes, embodied in laws, standards, systems, guidelines or procedures. Many communities have begun to address the need for asthma-related policy change. However, because asthma public policy issues are still relatively young, there has been a lack of consensus among stakeholders on what policy interventions are most effective and important. In 2008, the American Lung Association worked collaboratively with an interdisciplinary group of stakeholders to assess the existing evidence for effective asthma policy interventions, and build consensus for a comprehensive, actionable national public policy agenda for asthma. This presentation will introduce the policy agenda, including recommendations in the areas of public health infrastructure and surveillance; outdoor air; health care systems and financing; homes; schools and workplaces. Discussion will cover an overview of the evidence for effectiveness and impact, as well as strategies for implementation.