West Virginia Asthma Education and Prevention Program

Quick Facts

Quick Fact #8

Approximately 9% of West Virginia adults, or 130,000 adult individuals, currently have asthma (2005 BRFSS).

Mission

The West Virginia Asthma Education and Prevention Program aspires to raise awareness of asthma as a priority health concern in the state and to reduce suffering, disability, death, and economic costs related to the disease.

Health News

The WV Asthma Education and Prevention Program (WVAEPP) seeks to ensure that all of the state's asthma education and prevention organizations - from state government programs to non-profits - are working together to educate using a consistent message in every community on - early asthma diagnosis, management and treatment per national clinical guidelines, improved instruction on the usage and need for medication, improved education on avoiding and recognizing environmental triggers, and improved quality of life for those with asthma.

WVAEPP is working to increase cooperation between asthma, health-related organizations, and programs throughout the state. By joining forces, our goal is to improve access to reliable information and resources while promoting education and adherence to the guidelines set forth by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

WVAEPP was awarded funds by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through a five year cooperative grant agreement with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. WVAEPP is one of 36 states, tribes, and territories funded for asthma activities by the CDC. With these funds, the WVAEPP funds the operation and facilitation of a statewide asthma coalition (WVAC) as well as other asthma initiatives and interventions. WVAEPP is housed in the Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease at West Virginia Bureau for Public Health.

How can I learn more about Asthma efforts in West Virginia?

Contact WVAEPP by calling (304) 356-4193, sign-up for the quarterly newsletter and/or the Friends of the WVAC listerv to be provided updates on activities, details about statewide and regional asthma events, initiatives and educational opportunities. To contact specific WVAEPP staff, view the "About the WVAEPP" tab - WVAEPP Personnel.
Join the West Virginia Asthma Coalition (WVAC)! Attend and participate at the quarterly meetings, annual retreat, webinars, and committee focused calls to learn about the latest asthma education and prevention efforts occurring in the state and how you can play a roll. Membership is free and open to the public. To find out more or to become a member click here. View the event calendar (Asthma News) for activities in your area.
Look for the NEW* items listed on this site to keep informed of new asthma trends!

Click here for A Strategic Plan for Addressing Asthma in West Virginia 2010-2014.

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What's New with the WVAEPP?

NEW TRAINING OPPORTUNITY* Asthma Educator Institute, an asthma preparatory course for those wanting to pursue becoming a certified asthma educator and/or learning more about asthma education. When: May 23-24, 2012 Where: Mon General Hospital, Morgantown, WV Cost: $300. Click here for more details.

NEW Asthma Requirements! Uniform Data System (UDS) Reporting Requirements for Federally Qualified Health Care Centers on Asthma: this specifically impacts the application for "Meaningful Use" for these centers and Quality of Care requirements - click here for more details on a PowerPoint.

NEW! Asthma Friendly Business Award - nominate a business, community, or organization which has focused on the health and well-being of employees and customers.

The GIP Report - An updated one page summary of the National Guidelines for Asthma

WV's Asthma Education for Coaches, PE Teachers, support staff, and student athletes. See "Resources" tab or Click here for more information!

Are your Asthma or COPD Medications being discontinued by the FDA? click here for more details

Statistics on the more affected groups with asthma in WV - Children, Women, and Seniors, as well as the Flu & Asthma in West Virginia! These can be found under the "Statistics and Surveillance" tab. Click here: Fact Sheets

Nominate your school today!!! The Asthma Friendly School Award

How to Keep Up with the WVAEPP and the WVAC?

Fast Asthma Facts

Influenza Updates - The CDC's site on seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses. Also, view the West Virginia Immunization Program's website http://www.wvflu.org/ for more information.

Medication Assistance Programs - Many Pharmaceutical Companies offer deep discounts, coupons, and/or asthma and other lung disease medications for free for those who qualify. Look under our Links tab for more information.

FLU FAST FACTS: Per National Treatment Guidelines all individuals age 6 months and older should receive a flu shot every year. For more information concerning who should get a flu shot and why please go to Upcoming Events and Updates on this site.

Events Calendar - check for events and schedules for WVAEPP and WVAC activities.

El Asma - Detailed Information on Asthma in Spanish

AEPP Disclaimer

Note: You will need Adobe Reader (PDF) to view some of the documents on this website.

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