The West Virginia Asthma Coalition (WVAC) is a group of over 80 organizations and individuals working together to reduce the burden of asthma-related illnesses in the state through a comprehensive public health approach. Membership is free and open to the public.
The West Virginia Asthma Coalition (WVAC) was formed by the West Virginia Asthma Education and Prevention Program (WV-AEPP) and is facilitated by the American Lung Association of West Virginia (ALAWV). WV-AEPP is funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which provides funding for WVAC meetings and activities.
WVAC is comprised of five (5) subcommittees: Clinical Asthma Management, Community Outreach and Education, Data Sharing, Environment, and Schools and Pediatrics. WVAC is governed by an executive committee which includes elected subcommittee chairs and the WVAC President, Vice President, the AEPP Program Manager, and the ALA-WV Asthma Coalition Manager.
The WVAC committees focus on implementing projects that will help achieve the goals addressed in the Strategic Plan for Addressing Asthma in West Virginia.
Goals of the WVAC
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Help everyone understand the seriousness of asthma.
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Promote and ensure the appropriate diagnosis and management of asthma by health care professionals.
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Encourage patients with asthma--regardless of income, color, gender, creed, language or disability-- to enter into a continuum of care by facilitating access to care.
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Provide the latest information on asthma health, medication and medical treatment.
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Improve the quality of life for the patients with asthma.
Recent accomplishments of the WVAC include:
- Development and distribution of takeACTION!: Addressing Asthma and Diabetes in WV Schools, an interactive CD-ROM and online program targeted to teach school personnel how to assist students with these two chronic diseases;
- Successful policy efforts to pass the Inhaler Law, which allows students to carry and self-administer their inhalers at school and the Bus Idling policy aimed at reducing harmful pollutants on school property that can trigger an asthma attack;
- Implementation of statewide school-based asthma interventions; and
- Development of a strategic plan for addressing asthma in West Virginia.
For more information concerning the WVAC or becoming a member click on the following below.
Mission and Vision
Bylaws
Membership
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