Phase One
The National Lieutenant Governors Association launched “Helping Americans Breathe Easier, an asthma awareness campaign on May 1, 2007. Nine states and two territories were committed (DE, IL, PA, WI, AR, AZ, CO, KS, IA, USVI, GU). The goal of the campaign is to bring education, awareness, and resources directly to constituents and the health care community. My office has distributed 5000 wallet cards and asthma action sheets, which asthma patients can use to record and file their conditions.
Asthma is a chronic illness with no known cause or cure. However medical experts agree asthma can be managed. Identification of asthma and adherence to a medical management plan can allow asthma sufferers to live normal lives. Asthma is a profound public health issue. Chronic illness consumes 75% of every U.S. health care dollar. Asthma is the most common illness among children and John Hopkins documents that asthma causes significant health complications in senior citizens.
I encourage all Illinoisans to take today to review asthma in your life.