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Improving
Life, One Breath at a Time® |
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The mission of
the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung
health. 13%
of West Virginians have been diagnosed with Asthma by a health care professional.
An
estimated 33,000 Asthma
accounts for 10 million lost schools days annually. It is the leading cause
of schools absenteeism attributed to chronic conditions. Nearly
one third of all asthma sufferers are children.
©1999 by ALAWV, Inc. All rights reserved |
School-based Asthma Programs
The West Virginia Asthma Coalition (WVAC) is a diverse group of organizations and individuals committed to reducing the growing burden of asthma in our state. By organizing our collective efforts, adopting best practices for quality management, and utilizing the expertise of leaders in asthma care, WVAC works to positively impact the lives of people affected by the disease. Most recently, WVAC successfully campaigned for West Virginia legislation that allows children with asthma to carry their rescue inhalers with them while in school. The Coalition meets four times a year in different locations throughout the state. We currently have more than 150 individual members who represent more than 60 organizations, including all the major hospitals in the state, Marshall University, West Virginia University, the American Lung Association of West Virginia, the Department of Health and Human Resources, the Asthma and Allergy Center, West Virginia Health Care Authority, West Virginia Hospital Association, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Charleston, Bluefield State College, several local health departments. Members join one of five committees which are: Asthma Management, Community Outreach and Education, Environment, Data Sharing and Schools and Pediatrics. Through the committees, members work on projects to implement strategies contained in the Strategic Plan for Addressing Asthma in West Virginia 2004-2009. For example, the Coalition recently worked to create and distribute the takeAction! Addressing Asthma and Diabetes in West Virginia Schools interactive CD-ROM. The West Virginia Asthma Coalition was formed by the West Virginia Asthma Education and Prevention Program (WV-AEPP) and is facilitated by the American Lung Association of West Virginia. WV-AEPP is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and provides support for WVAC meetings and activities. If you are interested in learning more about the Coalition or in joining,
please contact Jessica Isner at 342-6600 or email jisner@lunginfo.org.
the 17th Annual
July 29 – August 3, 2007 Jackson’s Mill Weston, West Virginia For more
information or to register your child, contact Chantal
Centofanti-Fields. Click logo for
more information! See
all the fun campers experienced at the 2005 camp by clicking on the picture
below.
Asthma Resources Asthma Education and Prevention Program |
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