CalAsthma Update - October 13, 2005

GENERAL
1) Funding: School Health Index Mini-grants
2) Funding: The California Endowment launches new Grant Application Guide
3) Funding: New guidelines/application process for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grants
4) Funding: EPA grants available for Environmental Education
5) Event: Californians for Pesticide Reform hosting annual statewide conference
6) Event: Chronic disease care conference scheduled for Nov 3-4
7) Call for Nominations: EPA's National Environmental Leadership Award in Asthma Management
8) Resource: Finding a flu shot clinic
9) Resource: 2004 SMART BRFSS data and prevalence tables now available
10) Study: Article looks at asthma mortality in schools
11) Study: Childhood asthma and student performance at school
12) Study: Directly measured second hand smoke exposure and asthma health outcomes
13) Study: ARB releases report on health effects of secondhand smoke
14) Study: Data show bacteria in household dust may trigger asthma symptoms
15) Study: OEHHA finds links between fine airborne particles and deaths in California
16) Study: Researchers link childhood asthma to exposure to traffic-related pollution

ADVOCACY
17) Event: ARB holding hearings on new, more stringent diesel idling rule
18) Event: Rail MOU hearing rescheduled
19) Event: Goods movement meetings occurring throughout state
20) Resource: New tools promote smoke-free multi-unit housing
21) Policy: Mill Valley passes tough wood smoke ordinance

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
22) Event: Operation Clean Air sponsoring air quality summit

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
23) Funding: Liberty Hill Foundation invites applications for Environmental Justice Fund
24) Event: "Hacia una Vida Sana" conference for promotoras on October 24-25
25) Event: ARB offering workshops on new diesel study on October 26th
26) Event: AQMD holding workshop on spending $6 million on variety of health projects
27) Event: Conference on combating indoor environmental hazards scheduled for Nov 17-18
28) Resource: San Diego Regional Asthma Coalition 2005 Asthma Report Card

GENERAL
1) Funding: School Health Index Mini-grants
The CDC Foundation and CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health are pleased to announce an exciting grant opportunity for elementary schools in selected states to improve the health of school children by increasing physical activity and nutrition programs for children. Funded actions can address cross-cutting areas as well as physical activity and nutrition. What are cross-cutting areas? Examples include: creating a system for tracking student medical information, hiring a full-time school nurse, working with a consulting school health physician, or writing and communicating school health policies. Additionally, schools must include no-cost actions in their proposals. For example, a school might decide to create a policy for self-carry and self-administration of medications or incorporate professional development for asthma into the existing staff training curriculum. They may choose to add asthma awareness units into the health education curriculum. As for the mini-grants, the majority will range from $1,000 to $5,000, and no award will exceed $10,000. Deadline for schools to submit a letter of intent via e-mail to mailto:mbenjami@ashaweb.org is November 14, 2005. Full application due January 17, 2006. Further information and application information available via the American School Health Association at http://www.ashaweb.org/mini_grants.html.

2) Funding: The California Endowment launches new Grant Application Guide
The California Endowment's new application process is more streamlined and provides a single entry point for those seeking funds from the foundation. The Guide points out that the application "must identify a single goal for your request...your proposal should explain how your project or activity will support the selected goal and what the impact will be of the proposed project or activity in your organization or community." The foundation is hosting a series of informational sessions throughout California in order to advise potential applicants about the Guide and grantmaking process. Visit www.calendow.org/grant_guide/sessions.stm for the session schedule. Click the following link to download the Guide: http://www.calendow.org/grant_guide/index.stm.

3) Funding: New guidelines/application process for Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grants
Starting this month, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) pilots a new process for accepting and processing independent proposals from all applicants. Independent proposals are projects, solicited and unsolicited, that are not funded under one of the foundation's current national programs but still meet the criteria of one of the foundation's interest areas, according to the foundation. All content on the foundation's website pertaining to application procedures for independent grants has been changed. All RWJF staff are asked to direct applicants to use the new process, the first step of which involves electronic submission of a brief proposal. Visit the RWJF website at http://www.rwjf.org/index.jsp for additional information on the foundation's areas of interest and new application procedures.

4) Funding: EPA grants available for Environmental Education
Solicitation notices for the US Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Education grant program are now available on EPA's Office of Environmental Education website at http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html. Please visit the site to review details about how to apply for an environmental education grant and to download the 2006 Solicitation Notice and Application and Budget Form. The due date for applying for a 2006 environmental education grant is November 23, 2005 by 5:00 pm. Proposals must be received by that time.

5) Event: Californians for Pesticide Reform hosting annual statewide conference
Californians for Pesticide Reform invites you to join them for a day of issue briefings, networking and skills trainings in our statewide efforts to reduce pesticide use and support sustainable alternatives. You'll have a chance to join with others working on your issues, and learn more about other pesticide issues affecting communities across California. Meet with pesticide activists from across the state to share stories, strategies and inspiration. "The Future of Pesticide Reform in California" is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, at California State University, Fresno. Lunch is provided. Childcare and translation services available. Please register in advance by visiting http://www.pesticidereform.org/. The registration fee will be collected at the door, $10-50 sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds. On the website you can also download a flyer to spread the word to your community or apply for a scholarship to cover the costs of transportation and lodging.

6) Event: Chronic disease care conference scheduled for Nov 3-4
Sponsored by the California HealthCare Foundation and held November 3 - 4 at the San Francisco Marriott Hotel, "Chronic Disease Care: Better Ideas for Solving Real-World Problems" is designed to foster an environment where ideas and innovations in chronic disease care are shared for rapid adoption. CME and CEU credits are available. Scholarships and/or reimbursement for hotel/travel expenses are available for qualifying California nonprofit providers, educational institutions, and government agencies. The deadline for scholarship applications is October 14. The conference is targeted at physicians, nurses, care managers, health care executives, pharmacists, IT specialists, and anyone else interested in or engaged in improving the quality and effectiveness of chronic disease care. The conference is designed for real information sharing of practical ideas that can be used in a range of clinical settings. Participants will be expected to actively listen, share, question, and learn throughout the conference. To register for the conference, visit http://www.cachroniccare.com/.

7) Call for Nominations: EPA's National Environmental Leadership Award in Asthma Management
Are you a health plan or health care provider who has demonstrated leadership in managing environmental triggers as part of your comprehensive asthma management program? Would you like to receive some recognition for the important work you do? If so, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites you to apply for the National Environmental Leadership Award in Asthma Management, online at http://www.asthmaawards.info. Join the EPA in demonstrating that managing environmental triggers as part of a comprehensive asthma management program can improve the lives of the more than 20 million people in America with asthma. EPA is accepting applications until February 1, 2006. To apply, review the information about the awards program at http://www.asthmaawards.info/program.html. If you are eligible, read the application instructions at http://www.asthmaawards.info/apply.html and complete an online application at http://www.asthmaawards.info/Intro.aspx. If you have any questions about the awards program, please contact Katrin Kral, 202-343-9454, or mailto:kral.katrin@epa.gov.

8) Resource: Finding a flu shot clinic
Flu season is here! People with asthma, especially children with asthma, should get their flu vaccinations. Adults with asthma are at high risk of developing complications after contracting the influenza virus, yet most adults with asthma do not receive an annual flu vaccination. In California, only 30% of the population with asthma received the flu vaccine last year. Respiratory infections like influenza are more serious in patients with asthma, and such infections can often lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease. Annual flu vaccination rates among people with asthma need to be increased to reach the Healthy People 2010 goal of 60%. The flu vaccine is safe and effective. All people who have asthma should be encouraged to get the flu vaccination as part of their routine care. Find your nearest Flu Shot Clinic for free by visiting www.californialung.org and entering your ZIP code on the right side of the homepage under the words: "Enter your ZIP code to find a flu clinic near you." Also, for a flu shot education flyer in English and Spanish for families, visit http://www.calasthma.org/resources/show_resource/759/.

9) Resource: 2004 SMART BRFSS data and prevalence tables now available
The CDC's Behavioral Surveillance Branch in the Division of Adult and Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Coordinating Center for Health Promotion, is pleased to announce the release of the 2004 SMART BRFSS data and prevalence tables. SMART BRFSS (Selected Metropolitan/Micropolitan Area Risk Trends from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) now includes data from 2002, 2003, and 2004, with prevalence estimates for over 140 metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas (MMSAs), as well as many counties within those areas. Asthma is one of the health indicators tracked. As with the past data, the Web site includes both the data sets and the prevalence tables for MMSAs and counties, as well as pre-set Quick View charts with seven select risk factors in easy to print out PDF format, which compare county, MMSA, and state data. The SMART BRFSS data and prevalence tables are located at http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/brfss-smart/index.asp. For more information, please contact Lina Balluz, Sc.D., M.P.H. at 770-488-2466 or mailto:lib7@cdc.gov.

10) Study: Article looks at asthma mortality in schools
"A Preliminary Investigation of Asthma Mortality in Schools" was recently published in the October issue of the Journal of School Health. Key findings of the report include: 1) most of the deaths occurred in teens/high school students, 2) frequently, the precipitating event was related in time to exercise, and 3) a delayed response or hesitancy on the part of school staff to provide medical assistance may have contributed to some of the deaths. To download the full article visit http://www.calasthma.org/resources/show_resource/757/.

11) Study: Childhood asthma and student performance at school
An article recently published in the Journal of School Health examines the connection between asthma and student performance. According to the abstract, to better understand what is known about the association between childhood asthma, school attendance, and academic outcomes, the authors reviewed published studies investigating this topic. Tables with brief descriptions of each study's research methodology and outcomes are included. Research reveals evidence that rates of absenteeism are higher among students with asthma. The exact magnitude of absenteeism is difficult to ascertain. However, the studies have helped to identify characteristics of children with asthma that are most likely to be associated with the highest absenteeism rates. Some interventions to improve rates of absenteeism among school-aged children with asthma show promise, but it cannot yet be concluded that students who adhere to medical routines for controlling asthma will as a result increase their rates of attendance. Studies thus far have shown that there is either only a weak or nonexistent association between asthma and school achievement. Further studies are required to verify if certain subpopulations of children with asthma (eg, those with severe and ongoing symptoms, those with disturbed sleep, kindergarten children) are at higher risk for poor school achievement. To read the full article visit http://www.calasthma.org/resources/show_resource/758/.

12) Study: Directly measured second hand smoke exposure and asthma health outcomes
An article recently published in Thorax examines the connection between second hand smoke (SHS) exposure and asthma. According to the abstract, because they have chronic airway inflammation, adults with asthma could have symptomatic exacerbation after exposure to second hand smoke (SHS). Surprisingly, data on the effects of SHS exposure in adults with asthma are quite limited. Most previous epidemiological studies used self-reported SHS exposure which could be biased by inaccurate reporting. In a prospective cohort study of adult non-smokers recently admitted to hospital for asthma, the impact of SHS exposure on asthma health outcomes was examined. Directly measured SHS exposure appears to be associated with poorer asthma outcomes. In public health terms, these results support efforts to prohibit smoking in public places. To view the full abstract, visit http://thorax.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/60/10/814.

13) Study: ARB releases report on health effects of secondhand smoke
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) recently released a report which links environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) to a variety of health effects ranging from asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and increased incidences of breast cancer in non-smoking pre-menopausal women. "These findings again heighten the need to minimize the public's exposure to tobacco smoke," said ARB Executive Officer, Catherine Witherspoon. "This information should be considered before anyone lights up another cigarette, especially around infants and children." The joint ARB and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) report cites new and strengthening evidence that links secondhand tobacco smoke to a wide variety of adverse health effects. As required by state law, the Scientific Review Panel on Toxic Air Contaminants (SRP) has reviewed the report's data, its scientific procedures and methods used to support the data, and its conclusions and assessments. The SRP approved the report, recommends that the ARB list ETS as a toxic air contaminant (TAC), and also recommends that OEHHA add it to its list of TACs that may disproportionately impact children. To view a press release on the report, visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/nr092905.htm. To view the report itself, visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/ets/finalreport/finalreport.htm.

14) Study: Data show bacteria in household dust may trigger asthma symptoms
New research shows that bacteria lurking in household dust produce chemicals that may trigger asthma and asthma-related symptoms such as wheezing. These bacterial chemicals, called endotoxins, particularly those found on bedroom floors, were linked with increased respiratory problems in adults. This study, supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), a part of the National Institutes of Health, is the first nationwide study of endotoxins in the household environment, and it involved analysis of more than 2,500 dust samples from 831 homes across the U.S. Researchers at NIEHS and the University of Iowa found a strong association between endotoxin levels and the prevalence of diagnosed asthma, asthma symptoms, asthma medication use, and wheezing. These relationships were strongest for bedroom floor and bedding dust. Households with higher endotoxin concentrations experienced higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. The study, published online in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, was conducted using samples from The National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing (NSLAH). To view the full press release visit http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/sep2005/niehs-07.htm.

15) Study: OEHHA finds links between fine airborne particles and deaths in California
In one of the first studies of its kind, scientists at Cal/EPA's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) and the University of California (UC) have found that fine particles emitted by motor vehicles and other sources may increase deaths from heart and lung ailments in California. The study, published in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found associations between levels of fine particles in nine California counties and deaths from heart and lung ailments in the general population of those counties, particularly among diabetics, people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, the elderly, and women. While many studies have documented that airborne particulate matter in general (defined as particles less than 10 microns in diameter) can increase death rates, the OEHHA study was one of the first to examine such associations involving fine particles (defined as particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter). "This study provides support for initiatives by both the state and federal governments in recent years to specifically regulate fine particles," OEHHA Director Dr. Joan Denton said. "In our efforts to reduce the levels of particles in the air we breathe, we should not overlook the potential health impacts of the smallest of these particles." To view the full press release visit http://www.oehha.ca.gov/public_info/press/PM25press.html. To view the full article visit http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2005/8335/8335.pdf.

16) Study: Researchers link childhood asthma to exposure to traffic-related pollution
Living near a freeway may mean more than the annoying rumble of cars and trucks: For children, it brings an increased risk of asthma, according to researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Scientists studying air pollution levels in 10 Southern California cities found that the closer children live to a freeway, the greater their chance of having been diagnosed with asthma. They report their findings in the November issue of the journal Epidemiology. Researchers also found that children who had higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, or NO2, in the air around their homes were more likely to have developed asthma. NO2 is a product of pollutants emitted from combustion engines, such as those in cars and trucks. "These results suggest that tailpipe pollutants from freeway traffic are a significant risk factor for asthma," says lead author James Gauderman, Ph.D., associate professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School. "Considering the enormous costs associated with childhood asthma, today's public policy toward regulating pollutants may merit some re-evaluation." To view the full press release on the study, visit http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/11611.html. The abstract is currently not available online.

ADVOCACY
17) Event: ARB holding hearings on new, more stringent diesel idling rule
On October 20th, the California Air Resources Board will consider the adoption of idling emission reduction requirements for new 2008 and subsequent model-year heavy-duty diesel engines and trucks and amendments to the airborne toxic control measure to limit engine-idling by the existing fleet of in-use heavy-duty trucks. ARB's current rule prohibits commercial diesel trucks from idling for more than 5 minutes; the 5 minute limit does not apply to trucks with sleeper cabs when they are idling during driver rest periods. Truckers who spend the night in their truck can idle the engine without restrictions (as long as they are 100 ft from a residence). Typically, this amounts to an average of 6 hours of idling per day per long haul truck and accounts for half of emissions and fuel use from truck idling. ARB's newly proposed rule will require all sleeper cab equipped trucks to follow the 5 minute idling limit starting January 2008. This means that truckers will have to use an alternative to idling the main truck engine during rest periods. ARB is also proposing to require all new diesel trucks sold in CA to have an automatic shutoff device to prevent idling more than 5 minutes. These two measures alone are expected to prevent as much particulate matter emissions as the current 5 minute idling regulation. For more information on the board meeting visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/board/ma/2005/ma102005.htm.

18) Event: Rail MOU hearing rescheduled
Please be advised that the location and date of the Public Meeting for the Air Resources Board/Railroad Statewide Agreement, originally scheduled for September 22, 2005 in Los Angeles, has been rescheduled to October 27, 2005 at the California Air Resources Board Auditorium in El Monte, CA from 2 p.m. For more information, please visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/railyard/railyard.htm. If you have any question, please contact Erik White, Manager, Engineering Evaluation Section, ARB at 916-324-8029.

19) Event: Goods movement meetings occurring throughout state
In the coming weeks, several goods movement meetings will be occurring throughout the state. First, the California Business, Transportation & Housing Agency and the California Environmental Protection Agency are holding public meetings on their joint initiative to improve the movement of goods and reduce its environmental impacts. The meetings will be held Saturday, October 15th in Oakland and Saturday, October 29th in Los Angeles. These meetings will focus on the Goods Movement Action Plan, Phase I, Foundations and our workplan for Phase II. Phase I describes the "why" and "what" of California's goods movement needs. With your help, in Phase II, the agencies will identify the "how" and the "who" to meet our goods movement needs. Please see the website http://www.arb.ca.gov/gmp/gmp.htm for the complete details, including the meeting notice, the agenda, and a pre-registration form. The Goods Movement Action Plan can also be downloaded from this site. If you have questions, please contact Cynthia Marvin, Air Resources Board, at (916) 322-0285 or mailto:cmarvin@arb.ca.gov. Second, the Air Resources Board (ARB) invites you to participate in a public meeting about how to reduce emissions associated with goods movement in California. At the meeting, staff will solicit input on their effort to develop a new emission reduction plan for goods movement, focusing on ports, rail yards, and major transportation corridors. The public meeting will be held from 6:30 - 9:30 pm on November 1 in Oakland. Please see the complete meeting notice at http://arb.ca.gov/planning/gmerp/gmerp.htm. If you will be able to participate, staff would appreciate a quick RSVP to aid their planning. To RSVP or for questions, please contact Jeff Weir at 916-445-0098 or via email at mailto:jweir@arb.ca.gov.

20) Resource: New tools promote smoke-free multi-unit housing
The American Lung Association of California's Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing (the Center) and the Technical Assistance Legal Center recently released three new tools to promote smoke-free multi-unit housing including a Sample California Ordinance Regulating Smoking in Multi-Unit Residences, Summary of Sample Ordinance, and Matrix of Smoke-Free Housing Policy and Enforcement Options. The documents are available at www.californialung.org/thecenter/HousingMaterials2005.htm. The sample ordinance provides a comprehensive approach to regulate smoking in multi-unit housing and offers a variety of approaches for limiting exposure to secondhand smoke-from restricting smoking in common areas to prohibiting smoking in individual units. The Center's matrix examines the sample ordinance provisions from a strategic campaign perspective and analyzes the potential level of support for each policy option. The matrix outlines five different policy options and three enforcement options that communities may adopt to help residents of multi-unit housing reduce or eliminate their exposure to secondhand smoke. For more information, contact Kimberly Weich Reusche at 916.442.4446 or mailto:kwreusche@alac.org.

21) Policy: Mill Valley passes tough wood smoke ordinance
The city of Mill Valley has adopted one of the toughest wood smoke ordinances in the Bay Area, the first to prohibit the burning of green wood (wood with a moisture content of greater than 20 percent). The ordinance also sets a sunset clause for use of non-EPA approved wood-burning appliances and establishes a mandatory no-burn night when the air district calls a Spare the Air night. For more information, contact Jenny Bard at 707.527.5864 or mailto:jbard@alac.org.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
22) Event: Operation Clean Air sponsoring air quality summit Operation Clean Air (OCA), the collective effort of business, government, and community leaders from San Joaquin to Kern counties working to identify voluntary strategies that can clean the air of the San Joaquin Valley, is sponsoring an air quality summit on Thursday, October 27th. "A Focus On Solutions Air Quality Summit" will feature panels on agriculture, growth & development, and transportation. Cost is $25 per person (includes lunch). For more information, please contact Jaime Holt, 559-230-5850 or Feleena Sutton, mailto:feleena@romancandle.org or visit www.operationcleanair.org. The workshop is scheulded from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM at Valdez Hall in Downtown Fresno.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
23) Funding: Liberty Hill Foundation invites applications for Environmental Justice Fund The Liberty Hill Foundation (http://www.libertyhill.org/) which supports grassroots community organizing in Los Angeles County, invites applications for its Environmental Justice Fund. The Environmental Justice Fund seeks to improve public health in communities of color and low-income communities in the Los Angeles area by reducing emissions and exposure to environmental hazards and toxic chemicals and improving the quality of life. The fund makes grants to grassroots organizations that are working to decrease exposure to toxic substances in neighborhoods and workplaces, particularly in low-income areas and communities of color. One-year grants ranging from $7,500 to $35,000 and two-year grants from $50,000 to $70,000 are awarded to organizations that work to address environmental justice and public health threats at local or regional levels. Groups engaged in community organizing, applied research, policy advocacy, litigation, or popular education are eligible to apply. Complete program guidelines are available in English and Spanish at the foundation's Web site. Additional information may also be found at http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/5000587/libertyhill/ejf. The application deadline is November 1, 2005.

24) Event: "Hacia una Vida Sana" conference for promotoras on October 24-25
Visión y Compromiso (Promotora/Community Health Worker Network) would like to invite you to their annual promotora conference. "Hacia una Vida Sana" will be held on October 24-25, 2005 at the Hilton Burbank Airport & Convention Center. For more information, contact Melinda at 626-864-6117.

25) Event: ARB offering workshops on new diesel study on October 26th
Air Resources Board (ARB) staff invites you to participate in afternoon and evening public workshops focusing on the draft report, "Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure Assessment Study for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach." The afternoon workshop will be held from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and the evening workshop from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Both workshops will be held at 2. Public Workshops to be held on October 26, 2005 at the Marian Hotel in San Pedro. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Todd Sterling at 916.445.1034 or via e-mail at mailto:tsterlin@arb.ca.gov. The draft report, released on October 3, 2005, is available at: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/offroad/marinevess/documents/100305draftexposrep.pdf. For additional information, please see the meeting notice at: www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/offroad/marinevess/meetings/102605portworkshop.pdf.

26) Event: AQMD holding workshop on spending $6 million on variety of health projects
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) encourages you to attend one of three community meetings to give your input on ideas and concepts to expend $6 million received by AQMD in a settlement of violations by BP/Arco. We seek your ideas and proposals for programs related to air pollution mitigation, research, public outreach and education, health treatment centers or other projects to help improve air quality. If you are unable to attend, you may also submit your ideas to mailto:projectfunding@aqmd.gov. The meetings are scheduled as follows: October 17, 2005, 6:30 pm at Burbank City Hall, City Council Chambers (275 East Olive Ave., Burbank), October 25, 2005, 6:30 pm at Court Yard Center Meeting Room (12732 Main St Garden Grove, CA 92842), and November 2, 2005, 6:30 pm at Rialto Senior Center, Berlund Room (1411 S. Riverside Ave. Rialto, CA 92376).

27) Event: Conference on combating indoor environmental hazards scheduled for Nov 17-18
The Western Regional Conference on Eliminating Childhood Lead Poisoning and Combating Indoor Environmental Hazards will be held November 17th and 18th in San Diego, CA. The conference will bring together professionals engaged in health, housing, community development, awareness, advocacy, real estate and industry to explore ways to prevent incidents of lead poisoning and eliminate indoor environmental hazards. Please see www.leadmoldconferences.com for program, hotel and registration information. Partial registration scholarships are available for persons from public agencies, community based organizations, and small businesses. For additional information and for scholarship arrangements call the conference hot line at 800.590.6522.

28) Resource: San Diego Regional Asthma Coalition 2005 Asthma Report Card
The San Diego Regional Asthma Coalition (SDRAC) is pleased to present the second annual San Diego County Asthma Report Card. Its primary purpose is to summarize and document key data on asthma and asthma-related issues. By compiling data from several sources, they have gained a better understanding of asthma in San Diego County and the areas and populations most in need of asthma related services. Currently, this report card is the only comprehensive asthma surveillance system for the County. To view the full report card, visit http://www.calasthma.org/resources/show_resource/756/. -------

This update is distributed by the Regional Asthma Management and Prevention (RAMP) Initiative in collaboration with the National Latino Research Center (NLRC) and PolicyLink as part of Community Action to Fight Asthma (CAFA), a statewide network of asthma coalitions working to shape local, regional and state policies to reduce the environmental triggers of asthma for school-aged children where they live, learn, and play. The purpose of this semi-monthly update is to share environmental and clinical information about funding and job opportunities, workshops, events, resources, policy developments, data and new studies. CAFA is funded by the California Endowment.

Update materials are provided by RAMP, NLRC, PolicyLink and a variety of asthma partners throughout the state. We appreciate your contributions! Suggested additions can be emailed to joel@rampasthma.org, aardon@csusm.edu or Latonia@policylink.org.