EPA/CDC Forum at Meharry to Focus on New Study that Finds Key Elements of Successful Asthma Programs

In recognition of Asthma Awareness Month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Center on Environmental Health (NCEH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) will hold a forum at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee on the Asthma Health Outcomes Project (AHOP), a recently completed landmark study sponsored by EPA and conducted by the University of Michigan. The study found that asthma programs that address environmental triggers work best to improve health outcomes such as reduced emergency room visits, improved quality of life, and fewer missed days of school or work when they build strong connections with front-line health care providers and local communities. The study’s findings will be described and strategies that community-based asthma programs are using to improve health outcomes in their communities will be discussed. Attendees will include first year medical students, residents, faculty and staff.

Who: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Centers for Disease Control’s National Center on Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

When: Monday, May 14, 2007 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Where: Meharry Medical College
Freshman Lecture Hall
West Basic Science Building
1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd.
Nashville, Tennessee

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent breathing problems and symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma symptoms vary over time, and also from individual to individual. For more information about the Asthma Health Outcomes Project, visit www.alliesagainstasthma.net/ and for asthma information, visit epa.gov/asthma.