RAMP http://www.rampasthma.org Regional Asthma Management and Prevention Initiative Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:54:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 The Asthma Coalition of Los Angeles County http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/03/the-asthma-coalition-of-los-angeles-county/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/03/the-asthma-coalition-of-los-angeles-county/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:18:21 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6735 The Asthma Coalition of Los Angeles County is a collective, powerful voice for policy and systems change to prevent, minimize and manage the burden of asthma. The Coalition is a broad-based comprehensive coalition of experts from community-based organizations, advocacy groups, universities, government entities, school districts, environmental groups, health plans, hospitals, and clinics in Los Angeles County.

 It is our mission to prevent and alleviate pediatric asthma by addressing environmental factors in the home that trigger disease, and advocate for policies and practices that encourage reduction of in-door and out-door triggers. Additionally, because standard housing conditions contribute to asthma triggers, we also work towards creating synergy between coalition members and housing advocates, and deliver tenant rights education. 

The short-term goals of the coalition include building upon the Coalition Self-Assessment and Strategic Planning Process, creating sustainability though fundraising activities and events, and the re-establishment of four workgroups (clinical, outdoor air, schools, and indoor air) to more effectively advocate for policy change and address asthma disparities.  

The long-term goals of the Asthma Coalition of Los Angeles County are to:

1. Increase access to and improve quality of health care

2. Improve indoor air quality in homes and workplaces

3. Improve asthma management in schools, child care centers,
    and child care homes

4. Improve outdoor air quality

5. Address race/ethnic and socio-economic disparities

6. Strengthen research related to asthma

 Contact information
Janet Scully, MPH – Coordinator
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Maternal, Child Adolescent Health Programs
600 S. Commonwealth Ave. 8th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Tel:(213) 639-6414
Fax:(213) 639-1034
jscully@ph.lacounty.gov
www.asthmacoalitionla.org

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/03/the-asthma-coalition-of-los-angeles-county/feed/ 0 The Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/03/the-long-beach-alliance-for-children-with-asthma/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/03/the-long-beach-alliance-for-children-with-asthma/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:10:15 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6729 LBACA logo

The Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma (LBACA), which started in 1999, is a partnership to improve the lives of children with asthma in the Long Beach, CA community. LBACA was one of 7 sites in the United States and Puerto Rico awarded grants under the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Allies Against Asthma program and is one of 12 sites in California awarded grants under The California Endowment’s Community Action to Fight Asthma (CAFA) initiative. LBACA recently received funding from the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s British Petroleum Settlement fund to expand its programming into San Pedro, Wilmington and Carson, California.

Current Activities

LBACA’s activities include:

  • A community health worker home visiting program
  • An asthma resource center
  • Physician Asthma Care Education – improving physician asthma management skills
  • Training medical assistants to provide asthma education to patients at provider sites
  • Teaming up with schools, after-school programs, parks and recreational centers to develop asthma-friendly environments and policies
  • Mobilizing the community to respond to air quality issues, both indoors and outdoors.

LBACA’s Long-term Objectives

  • To change the profile of childhood asthma in the most affected areas of the cities of Long Beach, San Pedro, Wilmington and Carson, through improved healthcare delivery and quality, outreach, education, support systems, improved living environments and changes in policy at all levels.
  • To improve clinical outcomes including reduction in hospitalizations, emergency room visits and school absenteeism due to asthma and enhanced quality of life measures.

 CONTACT INFO

Postal Address:

The Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma
2651 Elm Avenue, STE 100
Long Beach, CA 90806

Telephone:
Phone (562) 427-4249
Fax (562) 427-8438

Email:
ehuffer@memorialcare.org

STAFF
Dr. Elisa Nicholas, Project Director
Erin Huffer, Project Manager
Gerardo Gomez, Assistant Project Coordinator
Elena Rodriguez-Gutierrez, Community Outreach Liaison
Martha Beatriz Cota, Community Outreach Liaison for LBACA
Maritza Dominguez, Office manager
Delores Simms, Community Health Worker
Herendira Razcon, Community Health Worker
Irene Mineses, Community Health Worker
Phaktra Huch, Community Health Worker
Maria Garcia, Community Health Worker 

Steering Committee Members�
Dr. Elisa Nicholas, Project Director
Erin Huffer, Project Manager
Terri Nickoletich, Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services
Monica Parrilla, Community Member
Concepcion Garcia, Community Member
Dr. Jud Schoendorf , Community Medical Provider

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/03/the-long-beach-alliance-for-children-with-asthma/feed/ 0 SOLANO ASTHMA COALITION http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/03/solano-asthma-coalition/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/03/solano-asthma-coalition/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:03:47 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6658 Mission Statement

The mission of the Solano Asthma Coalition is to reduce the burden of asthma and to improve the quality of life for people with asthma and their families in Solano County.  We are targeting populations most at risk for poor health outcomes and those experiencing health inequities.  Through collaboration with health care providers, policymakers, educators, and community members we intend to raise awareness of people with asthma and their families about the goals of asthma treatment and strategies to control asthma. We also seek  to change the institutional, environmental, cultural, and individual factors that influence the incidence, prevalence, and severity of asthma in Solano County.

Current Objectives

  • Encourage Solano County school districts to adopt into policy EPA Tools for Schools/CTA Healthy Air Kids
  • Enlist all local providers (physicians, clinic and hospital nurses and respiratory therapists) in the Family Centered Asthma Education Program, a community wide family oriented asthma education program geared toward pediatric patients diagnosed with asthma
  • Provide asthma trainings for school personnel including: front office staff, teachers, coaches, and child care providers
  • Work with Solano County on the Smoke Free Multi-Unit Housing program
  • Local and Statewide Advocacy
  • Encourage Solano County school districts to adopt into policy EPA Tools for Schools/CTA Healthy Air Kids
  • Provide important resources to the community:

The Solano Asthma Coalition (SAC) is composed of concerned health care providers, school nurses, county medical and emergency medical personnel, parents of asthmatics and advocacy and education organizations.

American Lung Association of California
Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
Breathe California
California Teachers Association
Child Start Inc.
Dixon Unified School District
Fairfield-Suisun Unified Teachers Association
Kaiser Permanente Napa-Solano
LaClinica
NorthBay Health Care
Partnership HealthPlan of California
Regional Asthma Management and Prevention (RAMP)
Solano Community College
Solano County Health and Social Services
Solano County Office of Education
Solano Family & Children’s Services
The Children’s Network
Vacaville Unified School District
Vallejo City Unified School District
Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District (YSAQMD)
Dr. Chad Tarter, Northbay Neonatology Associates
DaFona McClain Jackson, parent of a child with asthma

Regularly Scheduled Meetings

Solano Asthma Coalition meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of every month from Noon-1:30 p.m.* Meeting dates are list on our website http://www.solanoasthma.org.  For more information, please contact Susan White at (707) 434-9685 or via e-mail at SolanoAsthma@comcast.net.

*Coalition meetings are subject to change without notice; it is advised to check with the contact person prior to attending.

Staff
Susan White
Program Coordinator
Email: solanoasthma@comcast.net

Contact
Solano Asthma Coalition
1652 W. Texas Street, Suite 102C
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 434-9685 / Fax (707) 427-0153
SolanoAsthma@comcast.net
http://www.solanoasthma.org

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/03/solano-asthma-coalition/feed/ 0 Green Cleaning In Schools: A Guide for Advocates http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/green-cleaning-in-schools-a-guide-for-advocates/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/green-cleaning-in-schools-a-guide-for-advocates/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:11:20 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6661 Green Cleaning In Schools – A Guide for Advocates

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/green-cleaning-in-schools-a-guide-for-advocates/feed/ 0 The San Diego Regional Asthma Coalition (SDRAC) http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/the-san-diego-regional-asthma-coalition-sdrac/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/the-san-diego-regional-asthma-coalition-sdrac/#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:36:37 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6634 san diego2

In 1999, the initial members of SDRAC came together with a common goal of establishing a plan to address asthma in San Diego County.  During the past eight years, the group has not only achieved its original goals, but also provided the leadership to grow the Coalition to achieve more ambitious goals. Today, the San Diego Regional Asthma Coalition is a collaboration of over fifty diverse agencies and individuals including local health and social service agencies, health care providers, health plans, school districts and educators, community-based organizations, and individuals with asthma.  The current mission of the Coalition is to provide leadership in identifying, developing, mobilizing and coordinating resources to prevent asthma and positively impact the lives of people affected by asthma in San Diego County. Its long-term vision is a community free of the burden of asthma, a place where every child with asthma is well managed and the environments in which they live support health.   The San Diego Regional Asthma Coalition has become an entity recognized for its policy work and expertise in asthma-related issues and data. The American Lung Association of California, San Diego Office is the fiscal sponsor of the coalition since its inception in 1999. Founded in 1904, the American Lung Association is the oldest voluntary health agency in the United States.  ALAC-San Diego, an affiliate of the national organization, has served the community since 1946.  ALAC is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization.  Initially, the Association’s purpose was to combat tuberculosis.  Programs have since been expanded to impact many facets of lung health. The mission of the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.  Research into the cause and treatment of lung disease is supported by research grants and training fellowships through the American Lung Association.

 SDRAC leads efforts in the areas of community networking and mobilization by creating strong relationships with organizations in the city and county of San Diego to bring greater attention to grass-roots community solutions to environmental issues.

  • The goal of Community Action to Fight Asthma is to reduce environmental asthma triggers through public education and policies that promote “asthma friendly” environments where children live, learn, and play. San Diego’s CAFA site, Mid-City, was selected based on need and evidence of high childhood asthma rates. SDRAC has worked with Mid-City CAN to address the problem of overflowing trash, which was the number one concern identified by residents through a survey conducted by the National Latino Research Center.
  •  Conducting air quality monitoring near Chollas landfill in City Heights through an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant.
     
  • Planting 25 low-allergy trees in Mid-City’s Somali community through funding provided by San Diego City Councilman Jim Madaffer. People for Trees and Horn of Africa will assist with this community project. Trees (urban forestry) are known to reduce air toxins and energy needs as well as improve air quality.
  •  Working with the San Diego County Joint Health Literacy Project, Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP) and the San Diego Council on Literacy (SDCOL), to utilize asthma educational materials for our Joint Health Literacy Project’s website. The materials have been reviewed to determine their literacy levels and reduced to a third grade level.  The San Diego Regional Asthma Coalition healthcare professional volunteers reviewed the materials to ensure the information is medically accurate and promotes the work of CHIP to enhance asthma education and awareness.

Melissa W. Stephens,  MS,  Asthma Coalition Coordinator

Dr. Michael Kelly, Coalition Chair

San Diego Regional Asthma Coalition is located at
American Lung Association of California
2750 Fourth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103
1.619.683.7514
FAX 1.619.297.8402
mstephens@alac.org
http://asthmasandiego.org

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/the-san-diego-regional-asthma-coalition-sdrac/feed/ 0 RAMP Digest – February 18, 2010 http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/ramp-digestfebruary-18-2010/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/ramp-digestfebruary-18-2010/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:44:51 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6573 digest

Volume 1, Number 4
18 February 2010
 

EVENTS

California School Health Centers Association 2010 Regional Conferences: February 19th, March 9th and April 21st

Webinar: Housing and Transportation Affordability Index, February 23rd

Webinar: Briefing on RAND Corporation report, The Impact of Improved Air Quality on Hospital Spending, March 2nd

The Essentials of Healthy Homes: Practitioner Course, March 24-25th

Save the Date: EPA’s National Asthma Forum in Washington, D.C., June 17-18th  

OPPORTUNITIES

EPA Asthma Leadership Awards, applications due: March 16th 

California Breathing 2010 AIR Health Awards, nominations due: March 25th

EPA FUNDING – Exploring New Air Pollution – Health Effects Links in Existing Datasets, application due: April 27th

California Health Collaborative Seeks Health Educator

Volunteers to Increase Tobacco Tax

RESOURCES & STUDIES

BARHII and PHLP Release: Partners for Public Health – Working with Local, State and Federal Agencies to Create Healthier Communities 

The Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition Releases a Report in Support of Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act

Study Suggests Increased Risk of Respiratory Ailments in Babies Who Start Swimming Before the Age of 2 in Chlorinated Pools 

 << Back to Digest List

digest2 
]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/ramp-digestfebruary-18-2010/feed/ 0 BARHII and PHLP Release: Partners for Public Health – Working with Local, State and Federal Agencies to Create Healthier Communities http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/barhii-and-phlp-release-partners-for-public-healthworking-with-local-state-and-federal-agencies-to-create-healthier-communities/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/barhii-and-phlp-release-partners-for-public-healthworking-with-local-state-and-federal-agencies-to-create-healthier-communities/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:59:06 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6579 The Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative (BARHII) and Public Health Law & Policy (PHLP) work to create resources to help local health departments engage in planning processes and establish policies that create healthier environments and advance health equity. This guide is intended to provide information to public health department staff and advocates about the many public agencies that make policy decisions and implement projects related to the physical environment. Each section of this guide includes information about the way particular agencies are structured, their decision-making processes, and oversight and accountability at four levels: local, regional, state, and federal. To access a pdf of this guide, please click here:

Partners_for_Public_Health

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/barhii-and-phlp-release-partners-for-public-healthworking-with-local-state-and-federal-agencies-to-create-healthier-communities/feed/ 1 Study Suggests Increased Risk of Respiratory Ailments in Babies Who Start Swimming Before the Age of 2 in Chlorinated Pools http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/study-suggests-increased-risk-of-respiratory-ailments-in-babies-who-start-swimming-before-the-age-of-2-in-chlorinated-pools/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/study-suggests-increased-risk-of-respiratory-ailments-in-babies-who-start-swimming-before-the-age-of-2-in-chlorinated-pools/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:58:16 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6590 Children who start swimming before the age of 2 may be at increased risk of a common infant lung infection, and possibly asthma and respiratory allergies later in life, a new study suggests.  The findings, originally reported in the European Respiratory Journal, add to evidence that exposure to chlorinated pools may affect children’s respiratory health — particularly if they have a family history of asthma or respiratory allergies like hay fever. Experts have suspected that the air quality around pools, particularly indoor ones, is to blame. When the chlorine used to disinfect pools combines with swimmers’ sweat, saliva or urine, irritating chlorine byproducts are formed, and over time these chemicals may damage the airways. To read the complete story, please visit: http://health.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20100127-194703.html

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/study-suggests-increased-risk-of-respiratory-ailments-in-babies-who-start-swimming-before-the-age-of-2-in-chlorinated-pools/feed/ 1 The Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition Releases a Report in Support of Reforming the Toxic Substances Control Act http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/the-safer-chemicals-healthy-families-coalition-releases-a-report-in-support-of-reforming-the-toxic-substances-control-act/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/the-safer-chemicals-healthy-families-coalition-releases-a-report-in-support-of-reforming-the-toxic-substances-control-act/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:56:28 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6587 This report is based on the premise that the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976 does not adequately protect Americans from toxic chemicals. In the 34 years since TSCA was enacted, the EPA has been able to require testing on 200 of the more than 80,000 chemicals produced and used in the U.S., and five chemicals have been regulated under this law. The Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition believes that, by reforming TSCA, exposure to toxic chemicals can be reduced, the nation’s health will improve, and health care costs will decrease. This report documents some of the scientific findings and economic analysis underlying this position. For access to this report, please click here:

http://healthreport.saferchemicals.org/PDFs/The_Health_Case_for_Reforming_the_Toxic_Substances_Control_Act.pdf

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/the-safer-chemicals-healthy-families-coalition-releases-a-report-in-support-of-reforming-the-toxic-substances-control-act/feed/ 1 Sonoma County Asthma Coalition http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/sonoma-county-asthma-coalition/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/sonoma-county-asthma-coalition/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:37:50 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6447 SCAC Color

Our mission is to work with key stakeholders to improve the quality of life for people affected by asthma and to advocate for policies to minimize the impact of asthma in Sonoma County.

In response to the growing local concern about asthma, the Sonoma County Asthma Coalition was formed under the leadership of the American Lung Association of California in 2002. Approximately 30 organizations and individuals are currently involved and working on subcommittees including Housing & Indoor Air Quality, Asthma in Schools, and the Steering Committee. The Coalition invites community members to participate in a collaborative process to improve the health of our community by addressing air quality, housing, environmental, and educational issues that impact the lives of people affected by asthma. Since 2002, asthma management programs have been delivered at 6 local school districts, including asthma education: OAS and Kickin’ Asthma  classes for students with asthma, Asthma 101 presentations for teachers, PE teachers, coaches, nurses and and 5th and 9th grade students.  The Coalition has advocated for school district asthma management policies including improving indoor air quality to reduce environmental triggers for asthma.  In the housing arena, the Coalition published a report in 2008 about the connections between poor indoor air quality in homes and asthma prevalence, has provided Healthy Homes trainings to code enforcement and in-home health providers, and has been working with local code enforcement departments to advocate for proactive inspections.  Funding for the Coalition has come from The California Endowment, the American Lung Association, and California Breathing.

The Sonoma County Asthma Coalition is fiscally sponsored by the American Lung Association in California

Contact Information

Director, Shan Magnuson
smagnuson@alac.org
Phone:707-527-5864
Fax:  707-542-6111
www.sonomaasthma.org

American Lung Association
115 Talbot Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/sonoma-county-asthma-coalition/feed/ 0 Asthma Coalition of Alameda County http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/asthma-coalition-of-alameda-county/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/asthma-coalition-of-alameda-county/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:23:39 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6461 alameda2

The Alameda County Asthma Coalition (ACAC) is a collaboration among public health agencies, non-profit organizations, environmental groups, Medi-Cal Managed Care plans, community health clinics, hospitals, schools, and others interested in reducing the burden of asthma in the communities of Alameda County. The vision of ACAC is of a community where all people with asthma have an optimal quality of life in a healthy environment. The mission is to work collaboratively to reduce the incidence and impact of asthma through public health leadership, advocacy, education, equal access to culturally appropriate and effective health care, and an improved environment. The coalition began its work in 2003.

Meeting dates are the second Monday or Friday of each month, 9-11 am. Each member takes a turn to host meeting.

Priority Areas:
Community Education
• Asthma Camp – A yearly, 3-day away camp for children with asthma
• World Asthma Day
• Service coordination

Provider Education
• Promote the use of asthma action plans
• Asthma education for providers

Reports
The coalition assists in the development and dissimilation of asthma reports:
• Hospitalization and Emergency Room summary
• Asthma Prevention Report
• OB-CAFA Asthma Report Card
• Berkeley Unified School District Report

Policy
• Tobacco Free Hospitals
• In-door and outdoor air quality regulations
• Clean and safe ports initiative
• Track and support pertinent legislation

For more information, or to join the Asthma Coalition of Alameda County,
e-mail: eedwards@alamedaalliance.org

For more information click here: ACAC Brochure

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/asthma-coalition-of-alameda-county/feed/ 0 RAMP Seeks Policy Associate http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/ramp-seeks-policy-associate/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/ramp-seeks-policy-associate/#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:38:48 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6259 Regional Asthma Management and Prevention (RAMP) is pleased to announce it is seeking a full time Policy Associate to further its work to reduce asthma through a broad and comprehensive approach that includes clinical management and environmental protection. The Policy Associate will manage and contribute to several distinct but interconnected efforts related to reducing environmental pollution in both the Greater Bay Area as well as the state of California. Within the region, the Associate will lead some of RAMP’s collaborative advocacy against environmental pollution as it relates to air quality through the lens of climate change, land use and freight transportation. To the extent that these regional issues also have connections to state-level policy, the Associate will also work with state policymakers. The Policy Associate may also contribute to some of RAMP’s regional efforts related to housing. For more information, go to:
http://www.phi.org/about/employment_current_positions_detail.cfm?id=1518

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/ramp-seeks-policy-associate/feed/ 0 Children and Parents Sought for Bay Area Asthma Management Study http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/study-participation-opportunity-children-and-parents-sought-for-bay-area-asthma-management-study/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/study-participation-opportunity-children-and-parents-sought-for-bay-area-asthma-management-study/#comments Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:36:16 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6395 Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) are conducting a study about how children come to take responsibility for managing their asthma as they grow up. They would like your help in telling families about the study. Parents and their 8 to 16-year-old children with asthma are eligible to participate. Participation involves a one-time only interview and survey completion that takes no more than 1.5 hours and is conducted by appointment at a time (including weekends) and location that is convenient to families (either at UCSF or San Francisco General Hospital or at families’ homes). Parents receive a $30 gift card and children receive a $20 gift card. For more information, parents can call Dr. Joan Orrell-Valente, PhD, at 415-476-0736. Please utilize these links to flyers for promotion in your community.

Flyer & Handout

Spanish: Flyer & Handout

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/study-participation-opportunity-children-and-parents-sought-for-bay-area-asthma-management-study/feed/ 0 California Health Collaborative Seeks Health Educator http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/california-health-collaborative-seeks-health-educator/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/california-health-collaborative-seeks-health-educator/#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:44:06 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6556 The California Health Collaborative holds four out of ten regional contracts for the statewide Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts, which provides outreach, education and free breast and cervical cancer screening services for low income and under or uninsured women. They are seeking a Health Educator for a 32 hour per week position to assist the two Health Educators in the Bay Area & Northern California. The new Health Educator will cover the six counties of Marin, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Sonoma. She will be responsible for developing and implementing a targeted outreach program and providing tailored health education priority population women. A Masters degree in Health Education, Community Health, or Public Health is required. To apply, mail, fax or email your resume and cover letter to: Barbara Clifford, 25 Jan Court, Suite 130, Chico California 95928; fax 530 345-3214;
email: bclifford@healthcollaborative.org

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/02/california-health-collaborative-seeks-health-educator/feed/ 1 Green Cleaning in Schools: A Guide for Advocates http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/httpwww-rampasthma-orgwp-contentuploads201002green-cleaning-in-schools-a-guide-for-advocates1-pdf/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/httpwww-rampasthma-orgwp-contentuploads201002green-cleaning-in-schools-a-guide-for-advocates1-pdf/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:38:07 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6357 Together with Community Action to Fight Asthma and members and the Green Schools Initiative, RAMP has produced this advocacy guide to help those concerned about the environmental health of their local schools. Often, the very products used to keep schools clean and healthy contribute to poor indoor air quality (IAQ), seriously affecting those with asthma or other respiratory problems. This guide provides information and strategic guidance on how parents, students, and other advocates can work with their school district and others to improve IAQ by switching to certified green cleaning products.

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/httpwww-rampasthma-orgwp-contentuploads201002green-cleaning-in-schools-a-guide-for-advocates1-pdf/feed/ 0 Researchers Identify a Gene That May Have Important Implications for Childhood Asthma http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/gene-found-for-childhood-asthma/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/gene-found-for-childhood-asthma/#comments Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:15:40 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6299 A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that asthma is a complex genetic disorder. Pediatric researchers have identified a gene that may provide an important target for new childhood asthma treatment. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 793 white North American children with persistent asthma, comparing them to a control group of 1,988 children. They replicated the study in a separate group of 2,400 European subjects and controls, then did further analyses on a third group of 3,700 African American children. The gene with an apparent role in asthma is DENND1B, already suspected as a player in the body’s immune response. DENND1B expresses a protein of the same name, which is active in immune cell subtypes that regulate the body’s response to foreign bodies such as viruses, bacteria and allergens. The researchers found the same gene for asthma susceptibility in children of European and African-American ancestries. For access to the complete study, please visit:
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/362/1/36

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/gene-found-for-childhood-asthma/feed/ 0 Focus on Asthma in September 2009 Issue of The Journal of Allergology International http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/focus-on-asthma-in-september-2009-issue-of-the-journal-of-allergology-international/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/focus-on-asthma-in-september-2009-issue-of-the-journal-of-allergology-international/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:22:27 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6306 Allergology International is the official journal of the Japanese Society of Allergology and publishes original papers dealing with the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of allergic and related diseases. To access the table of contents for the September 2009 issue, please visit here.

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/focus-on-asthma-in-september-2009-issue-of-the-journal-of-allergology-international/feed/ 1 The Environmental Law Institute has Published a New Report, “School Indoor Air Quality: State Policy Strategies For Maintaining Healthy Learning Environments” http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/the-environmental-law-institute-has-published-a-new-report-school-indoor-air-quality-state-policy-strategies-for-maintaining-healthy-learning-environments/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/the-environmental-law-institute-has-published-a-new-report-school-indoor-air-quality-state-policy-strategies-for-maintaining-healthy-learning-environments/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:20:46 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6304 This report discusses the important role that can be played by state policy in advancing best indoor air quality (IAQ) management practices in schools.  The report profiles leading state policies in this area and discusses key considerations for developing an effective policy.   To view the full report, please visit:
http://www.elistore.org/reports_detail.asp?ID=11357.

If you would like additional information and/or have questions or comments, contact: Tobie Bernstein, bernstein@eli.org, Environmental Law Institute, 202-939-3869.

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/the-environmental-law-institute-has-published-a-new-report-school-indoor-air-quality-state-policy-strategies-for-maintaining-healthy-learning-environments/feed/ 0 San Joaquin Valley, CA Residents Suffer Disproportionately from Outdoor Air Pollution and Uncontrolled Asthma http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/san-joaquin-valley-ca-residents-suffer-disproportionately-from-outdoor-air-pollution-and-uncontrolled-asthma/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/san-joaquin-valley-ca-residents-suffer-disproportionately-from-outdoor-air-pollution-and-uncontrolled-asthma/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:17:57 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6302 Research reported in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health determined that individuals with asthma living in areas of the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) with high ozone and particulate pollution levels are more likely to have frequent asthma symptoms and asthma-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The SJV ranks among the worst in the United States in terms of air quality. Its urban areas are surrounded by agricultural operations creating a unique mix of pollutants. For access to the complete study, please visit: http://jech.bmj.com/content/64/2/142.abstract?sid=e3eaee20-29d8-4f2c-8cba-75580fc76c05

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/san-joaquin-valley-ca-residents-suffer-disproportionately-from-outdoor-air-pollution-and-uncontrolled-asthma/feed/ 0 Health Effects of Traffic Related Air Pollution http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/health-effects-of-traffic-related-air-pollution/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/health-effects-of-traffic-related-air-pollution/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:04:24 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6294 A report issued by the nonprofit Health Effects Institute analyzed 700 peer-reviewed studies conducted around the world on varying aspects of motor vehicle emissions and health. It found strong evidence that exposure to traffic helped cause variations in heart rate and other heart ailments that result in deaths. But among the many studies that evaluated death from heart problems, some did not separate stress and noise from air pollution as a cause. The study found that the biggest effects occurred among people who lived within 300 to 500 meters — about two-tenths to three-tenths of a mile — from highways and major roads. That applies to 30 percent to 45 percent of the population of North America, the authors said. The institute, based in Boston, is jointly financed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the auto industry. To read the full report, please visit: http://pubs.healtheffects.org/getfile.php?u=553

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/health-effects-of-traffic-related-air-pollution/feed/ 1 Mold-IAQ information template http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/mold-iaq-information-template/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/mold-iaq-information-template/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:35:31 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6166 Mold-IAQ information template

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/mold-iaq-information-template/feed/ 0 RAMP Digest – January 21, 2010 http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/ramp-digestjanuary-21-2010/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/ramp-digestjanuary-21-2010/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:15:33 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=6158 digestVolume 1, Number 3

21 January 2010
 
EVENTS

Webinar: The American Public Health Association (APHA) Invites You to a Webinar Series on “Climate Change: Mastering the Public Health Role”, January 25th

Grantsmanship Training Program in San Leandro, CA, April 19-23

Joint Conference in New Orleans, LA to Focus on Healthy Housing, April 27th – 30th

JOB OPPORTUNITY

RAMP Seeks Policy Associate

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Scholarships available for the 2010 Spirometry 360™ training. Enrollment deadline: February 1st

The Center for Environmental Health Announces 2010 Justice Fund Grant Application Cycle. Application deadline: February 19th

STUDIES & REPORTS

Health Effects of Traffic Related Air Pollution

Gene Found for Childhood Asthma

San Joaquin Valley, CA Residents Suffer Disproportionately from Outdoor Air Pollution and Uncontrolled Asthma

RESOURCES

Focus on Asthma in September 2009 Issue of The Journal of Allergology International 

<< Back to Digest List

 digest2
]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/ramp-digestjanuary-21-2010/feed/ 0 Sonoma County’s Environmental Health Division Announces the Addition of The Healthy Homes Program on County Website http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/resource-sonoma/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/resource-sonoma/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:00:33 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=5301 The Environmental Health division, in collaboration with the Sonoma County Asthma Coalition, developed Healthy Home web pages to provide information about how to maintain safe and healthy homes, how to identify indoor air quality problems in homes, when and how to file complaints, with links to information about asthma and indoor air quality, resources for landlords and tenants, and more.  The “Healthy Homes” model promoted by the National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) is a concept that promotes safe, decent, and sanitary housing as a means for preventing disease and injury. To view this addition, please visit: http://sonoma-county.org/health/eh/healthy_home.htm

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/resource-sonoma/feed/ 0 Exposures to Metals and Diesel Emissions in the Air Are Linked to Respiratory Symptoms in Young Children Living in New York City http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/study-exposures-to-metals-and-diesel-emissions-in-the-air-are-linked-to-respiratory-symptoms-in-young-children-living-in-new-york-city/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/study-exposures-to-metals-and-diesel-emissions-in-the-air-are-linked-to-respiratory-symptoms-in-young-children-living-in-new-york-city/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:00:11 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/2009/12/study-exposures-to-metals-and-diesel-emissions-in-the-air-are-linked-to-respiratory-symptoms-in-young-children-living-in-new-york-city/ Exposure shortly after birth to ambient metals from residential heating oil combustion and particles from diesel emissions is associated with respiratory symptoms in young children living in urban areas, according to a new study by researchers at the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH) at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. The study is the first to analyze the effects of exposure to airborne metals in this very young population and the findings could have serious public health implications. The study compared pollutant levels with respiratory symptoms of children between birth and age two living in Northern Manhattan and in the South Bronx, and found that the airborne metals were risk factors for wheezing in young children. The study is published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. To read the study, please visit: http://www.ccceh.org/pdf-papers/Patel2009.pdf

]]> http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/study-exposures-to-metals-and-diesel-emissions-in-the-air-are-linked-to-respiratory-symptoms-in-young-children-living-in-new-york-city/feed/ 0 CAFA Coalition Spotlight – San Mateo County Asthma Coalition http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/cafa-coalition-spotlightsan-mateo-county-asthma-coalition/ http://www.rampasthma.org/2010/01/cafa-coalition-spotlightsan-mateo-county-asthma-coalition/#comments Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:27:20 +0000 admin http://www.rampasthma.org/?p=5475 San Mateo County Asthma Coalition

The mission of the San Mateo County Asthma Coalition (SMCAC) is “to prevent and control asthma in San Mateo County by promoting change and collaboration at the individual, institutional, community and policy level through education, awareness, empowerment, and advocacy.” The coalition has been working towards this mission since 2004 through its childcare, schools, clinical, and community workgroups.

In October 2008, SMCAC hosted a day-long education and network meeting for San Mateo County health care providers to address the goal of improving the abilities of health care providers to identify and address the needs of adults and children with asthma. During the lunch break-out sessions, health care providers discussed barriers to helping patients with asthma. One of the largest barriers they perceived was substandard housing conditions.

Based on this feedback and recent evidence that millions of asthma cases may be due to mold and moisture in the home (Chen, A. 2007), the SMCAC put together educational flyers for property owners about their responsibilities towards mold and moisture control. After receiving feedback from property owner focus groups, the coalition also created English and Spanish educational sheets for renters and general audiences. San Mateo County Environmental Health partnered with the SMCAC to print and distribute these flyers.

In the fall of 2009, SMCAC continued to build its partnership with Environmental Health and co-sponsored two events. In August, over 30 home visitors and outreach workers participated in a housing and habitability training which addressed questions about resources for clients and the legal processes around habitability issues. In October, approximately 30 code enforcement, environmental health, public health and other stakeholders participated in a healthy housing forum. The forum included educational presentations about pest and mold control and a facilitated dialogue about the roles and responsibilities of different agencies to support healthy housing for residents of San Mateo County. The training and forum have led to increased awareness of the interconnectivity of our work and new partnerships.

Currently, the SMCAC is developing strategies to support interdisciplinary collaboration promoting healthy homes. The clinical committee of the coalition is also working on developing a workshop in May that will support patient advocacy efforts among medical providers. To learn more about the SMCAC, please visit smhealth.org/asthma.

Chen, Allan (2007). Berkeley Lab “EPA Studies Confirm Large Public Health And Economic Impact of Dampness and Mold” Retrieved 1/04/10 from http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/article_57697.shtml

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