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Our Mission is to have:

Linn County Asthma Reduction Coalition strive to help asthmatics by=

Improving the quality of life

Networking with other organizations that help asthmatics

NIH Guidelines integrated with local healthcare practices

Lecturing to educate

Using available resources to help asthmatics

Negating the rising number of ER visits or hospitalizations due to asthma

Generating public awareness of asthma

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Coalition Chair: Dr. Lyla Schweiger, Asthma and Allergy Clinic, PC

The Linn County Asthma Reduction Coalition is composed of physicians, respiratory therapists, nurses, members of the public health department, pharmaceutical representatives, professional societies such as the ALA and anyone who is interested in lung health.  The group meets once a month to discuss issues regarding asthma and other chronic lung disease and other health and environmental issues that may indirectly affect lung health.

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Asthma Related News:

FDA Safety Update:  Asthma Medication  (2/19/10 US. FDA)

Did you know in the last year Linn County...

    Spent $1.2 million dollars on 121 asthma related hospital visits
    Spent $5.4 million dollars on 230 COPD related hospital visits

On Average every year Iowa has...
    
    12% of adults with asthma make at least 1 emergency visit due to worsening symptoms.
    over 2,000 individuals are hospitalized for asthma.
    49% of adults with asthma experience an asthma attack.
    35 deaths occur due to asthma.

How to help your lung health in Linn County:

Pulminary Support group at Cedar Rapids, IA, Easy Breathers Club, St Luke's Hospital, Room 163, 2nd Wed/alt months, 10:00 a.m., Dean Bleadorn, 369-7527

NHLBI Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (Publication date:  July 2007)

CHAMP (Children's Home Asthma Management Program) from Cedar Rapids, IA, Linn County Public Health.

LCPH Indoor Air Quality Inspections are available through the public health department with Ruby Perin (319-892-6058) if you have mold, radon, smells, construction, or respiratory issues in your home.

LCPH has a new division called Healthy Homes which aims to give everyone the opportunity to grow up in a healthy home that is free from environmental hazards.

A video was made last year when University of Iowa researchers and Linn County Public Health began the process of testing flooded homes for air quality, including a mold test, at various stages of rebuilding. gazetteonline video by Liz Martin.  Peter Thorne was in charge of the project.

Reminder:  The Asthma Reduction Coalition meetings are usually every 4th wednesday of the month at St. Lukes Hospital at 1pm.  For more information, call (319) 369-7815.  Next Meeting will be March 31st in the Formal lounge @ 1pm in the Formal Lounge.



Resources:
American Lung Association of Iowa
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology
American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology
Allergy and Asthma Network:  Mothers of Asthmatics
Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa

Medication Resources:
Partnership for Prescription assistance
Community health free clinic's prescription assistance program