The Awesome Asthma School Days program: Educating children, inspiring a community

Program planners developed an educational program to improve the health of children with asthma in grades three to Fe in Milwaukee (Wis.) Public Schoo ls. During 1997-1998, 1,400 students from 74 elementary schools participate d in the Awesome Asthma School Days education program. In a cross-sectional survey, about 40% of children reported play interrupted and sleep disturbe d by asthma, more than 50% of children reported exposure to smoke in their home, most children locked asthma self-care tools, and most children with p ersistent symptoms did trot use an anti-inflammatory inhaler. The education al program improved students' expectations about normal play and sleep and improved their understanding of asthma. Leaders in Milwaukee used the surve y results to develop a community; action plan. The educational program, sur veys, community partnerships, and strategic plans can be replicated in othe r schools.