The Fresno County Asthma Coalition (FCAC) was first formed through the cooperation of a small group of local respiratory therapists, nurses and community members. The Coalition has been active for over 15 years through the support of a diverse group of agencies and organizations. Members contribute their time to meet and strategize approaches to provide opportunities for asthma education at all levels (individual, community and professional), to increase awareness about air quality, asthma and allergies, and to encourage advocacy efforts to improve environmental and service provision efforts where Fresno County residents live, learn, and play.

Mission Statement:
The Fresno County Asthma Coalition promotes asthma awareness, education and advocacy to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with asthma.

The Coalition’s 2010 Goals include:

1. To work with a wide variety of community-based organizations to leverage resources and expand the reach of the Asthma Coalition in pursuing the ideals presented in the mission statement.

2. To provide asthma education throughout Fresno County, focusing in the following areas:
    a. Provider/Professional Education
    b. Schools (staff, coaches, parents and students)
    c. Community events, general awareness and media

3. To maintain a full Asthma Coalition website for Fresno County.

4. To pursue sustainability efforts and establish the long-term stability of the organization. Related activities may include, but are not limited to:
    a. Grant writing
    b. Partnering with other community-based organizations
    c. Seeking technical support from RAMP
    d. Pursuing 501(c)3 nonprofit status
    e. Fund raising activities

FCAC promotes asthma awareness, education and advocacy activities to decrease the number of illnesses and deaths associated with asthma and reduce the burden of asthma in Fresno County.
Subcommittees include (as needed):

1.  Schools – Policy and Education
2.  Public Awareness – Website and Media
3.  Education – Professional and Patient
4.  Air Quality Policy
5.  Children 0-5
6.  Sustainability – Grant Writing and Strategic Planning

Contact Information:
Thea Jones, MSPH
Department of Public Health
Office of Policy, Planning & Communication
(559) 445-3449
dmjones@co.fresno.ca.us
http://www.fresnoasthma.org/

Leadership Team:
Chairperson: Thea Jones
Co-chairpersons
Patti Burton & Glena Walke
Treasurer & Interim Secretary: Susie Rico-Vasquez

Event Calendar:
Coalition Meeting:
2nd Friday of every month from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Fresno-Madera Medical Society
1382 E. Alluvial #106
Fresno, CA 93720
Onsite Phone Number: 559-224-4220 ext 119

Opportunities to Become Involved

• Become an active member of the Fresno County Asthma Coalition

• Request more information on the upcoming Provider, mid-level Provider, Pharmacist, Nurse and support staff training on the current EPR-3 Guidelines for Asthma diagnosis and management

• Participate in the development and implementation of the Fresno County Asthma Registry

• Master Home Environmentalist – Asthma trigger home/facility assessment
     •Refer clients or recommend they request an assessment
     •Have staff trained to complete an assessment

• Inquiry about the upcoming Provider office spirometry pilot project

• Utilize the Asthma Coalition’s website at www.fresnoasthma.org by doing the following:
     •Referring Clients to use the website for educational information
     •Accessing Coalition member agencies through the website
     •Please note that the website is currently being updated and new information is being added on a regular basis

• Become a Physician Champion for the cause of air quality and reduction of the burden of asthma in Fresno County