Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) Asthma Education Program, a collaborative effort with the Mecklenburg County Health Department, will continue now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has approved funding for a new five-year asthma initiative.
May is Asthma Awareness Month, and the CMS nursing staff wants county residents to know that asthma is the number one chronic disease for CMS students and the leading cause of school absences.
Almost 9000 (or 8%) of CMS students are diagnosed with asthma, and the number is growing.
The Asthma Education Program (AEP) was created in 2003. Its goal, through education, awareness and health services, is to offer safe, supportive learning environments that help young people better manage the disease, be healthier and ready to learn in school.
School health staff receives ongoing education about the needs of students with asthma so they can help families improve disease management, create and/or support Asthma Action Plans and help schools improve the environment and care of students with asthma.
The Asthma Education Program is so successful it has been featured in a video distributed nationwide by the Centers for Disease Control.
With acceptance of the program’s new proposal and funding through February 2013, program staff, working closely with numerous community partners, will be able to continue to offer vital programs and support for students with asthma.
The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners will proclaim May as Asthma Awareness Month at its May 7 meeting.
Learn more about asthma and its effects.
