The Asthma Start Program works with families of children with asthma by providing in-home visitation case management services. What is Asthma? Asthma is a disease that causes the airways to become smaller and blocks free-flowing air into the lungs. Asthma is life-threatening if it is left untreated and ignored. It is the leading cause of hospitals stays for young children in Alameda County. It causes missed days of child care, play time, work for parents, and sleepless nights. A person with asthma can have the following symptoms: coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest. During an asthma attack, the muscles in the lungs tighten, the airways become swollen, there is too much mucus is production in the lungs, and the airways become narrow. There is NO CURE for asthma, but it can be controlled with medications and by reducing exposure to environmental factors (i.e. secondhand smoke, pets, dust, mold, pollen, etc.) that may trigger the symptoms. “Almost all asthma patients can become free of symptoms with proper treatment. Patients and their families should expect nothing less.” (National Institutes of Health: National Education and Prevention Program, 1991) Asthma Start Program goals are to: prevent medical problems related to asthma enhance awareness and understanding of asthma improve the ability to control the child’s asthma Target Audience: Infants, children, and adolescents (up to 18 years old). Eligibility Guidelines: A person is eligible to participate in the Asthma Start Program if (s)he meets ALL of the following requirements: is between the ages of 0-18 has been diagnosed with asthma has been referred by a health care provider lives in Alameda County Useful information: The Asthma Start team provides education and support, and develops an action plan to assist families in controlling their children’s asthma. These services include the following: Education to parents about asthma, asthma triggers, prevention of asthma attacks, asthma medications, and modeling of questions to ask health care providers. Home inspections to identify the causes or triggers of a child’s asthma attacks. Collaboration with preschools and day care providers to ensure that asthma medication is available for every child with asthma at the site. Asthma education is also provided to staff at pre-schools and day care providers. Collaboration with medical providers at local hospitals and clinics. Assistance with housing, employment, English classes, and more as needed. Frequently Asked Questions Q. How long does my child have to commit to the Asthma Start Program? A. Each child’s asthma severity is different. A child usually finishes the program in 2-3 home visits in a three month time frame Q. Can I return to the Asthma Start Program if my child’s asthma worsens again? A. Yes. Q. Can I have more than one child participate in the Asthma Start Program? A. Yes. Children from the same household may participate in the program as long as they meet all the eligibility guidelines. Q. Do the Asthma Coordinators speak languages other then English? A. Yes, they also speak Spanish. However, if another language is needed, they would have an interpreter. Q. How do you handle requests for services not covered by your program? A. The program refers them to an appropriate resource. Major Events & Activities: Asthma Awareness Month – May Publications: Asthma Start Program Brochure (English) La misma información de la programa en español (Spanish) Web Links American Lung Association of California http://www.californialung.org/lung-health/asthma-center California Asthma Public Health Initiative http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/CAPHI/Pages/default.aspx Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/asthma Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov/asthma

Contact Information:

Asthma Start Program Alameda County Public Health Department 7200 Bancroft Avenue, Suite 202 Oakland, CA 94605 510.383.5181 (office) 510.383.5183 (fax) Asthma Team Brenda Yamashita Program Director 510.577.7081 Brenda.Yamashita@acgov.org Glafira Garzon Asthma Coordinator (Habla Español) 510.383.5186 Glafira.Garzon-Ramirez@acgov.org Alexa Silva MSW Asthma Coordinator (Habla Español) 510.383-5179 Alexa.Silva@acgov.org Amy Sholinbeck, LCSW Asthma Coordinator 510.383.5178 Amy.Sholinbeck@acgov.org Leticia Somoza (Habla Español) Clerk 510.383.5181 Leticia.Somoza@acgov.org