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We need your help to take control of asthma

In Wisconsin, the burden of asthma is not equally shared, with certain ethnic groups, age groups and geographic regions disproportionately affected. The Wisconsin Asthma Coalition (WAC) works to reduce asthma disparities and the burden of asthma in the state.

Our mission is to foster partnerships to improve asthma management, enhance quality of life, reduce disparities and prevent asthma-related deaths. The WAC is a diverse group, comprised of more than 180 members spanning various professions statewide. Join us to help Wisconsin take control of asthma.

Wisconsin Asthma Plan 2021-25

The Wisconsin Asthma Plan provides a blueprint for public health and health care advocates to join efforts in our shared goal of empowering people with asthma to live better and healthier lives.

Words From WAC

Hear from Dr. Jay Balachandran as he explains different ways to navigate air pollution for those living with asthma.

View previous Words From WAC segments here.

Asthma Infographic

Although asthma is common, deadly and disruptive, it is controllable. See our infographic to learn about the burden of asthma in Wisconsin.

Advisory Committee

Asthma-related subject matter experts from around the state guide the Wisconsin Asthma Coalition’s work to create and implement the Wisconsin Asthma Plan and other initiatives.

View the Committee

Join the Wisconsin Asthma Coalition

By becoming a member of the Wisconsin Asthma Coalition, you can contribute to asthma-related policy improvement, network and collaborate with experts to reduce asthma disparities, gain access to WAC member events and help reduce the burden of asthma in the state.

Sign up here

The Burden of Asthma in Wisconsin

This Wisconsin Department of Health Services report describes the distribution of asthma and adverse asthma-related health outcomes using the most recent surveillance data available. The disproportionate burden of asthma and lack of adherence to treatment reveals opportunities to enhance the care and health of Wisconsin children and adults living with asthma.

View Report

Tools & Resources

Asthma Resources for Families

Family involvement and education is essential to the health and wellbeing of people living with asthma. The resources below can be utilized by families to take control of asthma.

Asthma Action Plans for Home and School
Asthma action plans are key to successful self-management. Find a template that’s right for you.

Asthma Basics
This simple guide describes asthma causes, symptoms and triggers.

How to Talk With Your Doctor About Asthma
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ asthma program created this new fact sheet to help people with asthma feel more prepared for their appointments and empower them to speak up and ask questions.

Medication Assistance Programs
Find asthma-related coupons and prescription assistance programs.

Wisconsin Asthma-Safe Homes Program
Learn about Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ asthma-safe homes program.

Asthma Resources for Educators

The resources below help school and child care staff build awareness of environmental factors that may trigger asthma symptoms.

Air Quality Index
View the Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality report for your community. This site provides daily updates on air pollutants and possible health risks.

Guide to Asthma-Friendly Schools
This guidebook helps school staff recognize asthma symptoms, reduce asthma triggers and educate students on asthma management.

Walkthrough Programs
Schedule a no-cost school or child care center walkthrough to identify and address environmental asthma triggers.

Asthma Resources for Health Care Providers

These resources allow health care providers to assist patients in managing their asthma at home, school and work.

Asthma Care Quick Reference
View clinical activity guidelines from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program.

Asthma Control Test (Age 12 and Older)
Use this self-administered five-question assessment to identify your patients’ asthma control score.

2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines
Read the National Institutes of Health’s guidelines for diagnosis and management of asthma.

Asthma-Focused Follow-Up Visit
This checklist can be used to guide conversations during an asthma-focused patient visit.

Authorization for Administration of Inhaled Asthma Medication
Complete this permission form to ensure patients have access to their inhaler at school.

CDC EXHALE Program
EXHALE, a set of six strategies that each contribute to better asthma control.

Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control (TRACK) in Kids
Use this assessment for children under age 5.

Wisconsin Environmental Public Health Tracking
Find detailed information on environmental hazards and disease data.

Asthma Resources for Pharmacists

By notifying health care providers when patients struggle to follow their pharmaceutical plan, pharmacists can serve as a critical part of a child’s asthma care team. Use our National Institute of Health-based fax forms to communicate patient information and treatment recommendations.

Asthma Care Fax (5-11 Years)
Use this form to notify health care providers when a child age 5-11 uses their short-acting beta agonist excessively.

Asthma Care Fax (11 Years and Older)
Use this form to notify health care providers when a child age 11 years or older uses their short-acting beta agonist excessively.

Contact Our Staff

Carissa Hoium, MPH
Program Leader
Environmental Health
(414) 337-4569
choium@childrenswi.org

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Your Dose of Oxygen

Receive monthly news about the Wisconsin Asthma Coalition, asthma education programs, research and grant opportunities.

The Wisconsin asthma initiative is funded in part by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, through a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cooperative Agreement.

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