Evaluating asthma-related policies at the state and local level

State asthma control programs seek effective and efficient interventions that reach large numbers of people, especially those with a disparate burden of asthma-related morbidity and mortality. Interventions at the policy level offer promise of broad impact and efficiency, yet there is little evidence or guidance indicating which policy interventions are most likely to be feasible, affordable, and effective. Although there may be data to support the efficacy of specific interventions at the level of individuals in research settings, there are gaps in knowledge about whether policies related to institutionalizing, mandating payment for, or otherwise requiring those interventions at the level of policy or regulation achieve the desired level of implementation, reach the anticipated goals, have any adverse consequences, and are sustainable. This session presents the results of a collaborative process between the Center for Disease Control's National Asthma Program and a number of its state grantees to identify priority policy issues for further assessment and to plan a coordinated cross-state evaluation of those issues. It describes an approach that uses the infrastructure of state asthma programs to address gaps in knowledge regarding efforts to pass, implement and enforce asthma related policies. The areas of focus are funding for asthma self-management training, reduction of asthma triggers in multi-unit housing, and several school-related asthma policies, including medication self-carry laws and policies to reduce exposure to diesel exhaust and other asthma triggers.