Struggling to Breathe: The Epidemic of Asthma Among Children and Adolescents in the San Joaquin Valley: The high prevalence of asthma in San Joaquin Valley communities makes ongoing surveillance of critical importance to detect and manage this chronic health condition. Currently, asthma is not a reportable public health condition, making it difficult to monitor its prevalence and produce precise data for local communities. Results from the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (2001 CHIS) have helped compensate for the historical absence of detailed regional and local surveillance data. Data are presented to inform policy-makers, agencies, organizations, and communities concerned about this chronic condition and its effect on the health and well-being of children and adolescents, their families, and their communities.

Asthma policy: Examples of asthma policies being implemented in communities across the state as part of the Communities to Fight Asthma (CAFA) Initiative are available on the CalAsthma web site.

Online Asthma Education Center
The content for this interactive site is strictly evidence-based and includes video, photographs, many links to resources for each topic covered, plus printable summaries of five main asthma segments (About Asthma; Causes and Triggers; Symptoms and Diagnosis; Treatment; and Prevention). The AEC is designed primarily for use by the public and as an educational tool for some clinical settings.

State legislation related to asthma and environmental triggers
The Calasthma website has the latest information on state legislation related to asthma and environmental triggers. Here you will be able to download summary information on California State bills pertaining to Indoor Air in Homes, Indoor Air in Schools, Outdoor Air, and Clinical policies.

Checklist for school districts addressing the needs of students with asthma (PDF)

The Collaborative on Health and the Environment Discussion Group on Asthma and the Environment - CHE's Discussion Group on Asthma and the Environment explores the connection between environmental contaminants and asthma, and the needs and opportunities for reducing environmental exposures. The group has a particular interest in links between air quality and health, and may expand its agenda to include work on other chronic diseases affected by air pollution. Our conference calls focus on emerging science and on innovative efforts to reduce exposures. The group includes scientists, health-affected groups and community organizations.

Air Quality Index Chart: Recommendations for Schools on Poor Air Quality Days
The chart is intended to be used as a guide to modify outdoor activities on poor air quality days, specifically days when ground-level ozone reaches unhealthy levels. While this chart is designed around school-specific activities (recess, lunch, physical education) it can be used for anyone participating in outdoor activities.

The Asthma Health Outcomes Project reports on successful asthma programs.

Asthma prevalence statistics from the CDC - QuickStats: Percentage of Children Aged <18 Years with Current Asthma, by Race/Ethnicity and Sex - United States, 2001-2004

Allies Against Asthma Tools for Assessing Asthma Educational Materials
The Allies Against Asthma Resource Bank is a centralized database for sharing information about resources, tools and materials that may be useful to coalitions and community programs addressing asthma.

CVAQ groups working with asthma issues:

American Lung Association of Central CA
RAMP (Regional Asthma Management and Prevention Initiative)
Merced and Mariposa County Asthma Coalition