| CalAsthma Update - March 20, 2008 |
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GENERAL
1) Resource: Asthma Trigger Control and Mold videos available at the NWCAA website
2) Study: Results from a Large-Scale Asthma Intervention within OUSD
3) Fellowship Opportunity: LIF Public Policy Fellowship Program
POLICY
4) Legislative Update: California State bills related to asthma and air quality
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
5) Event: ALA Breathe Well Live Well facilitator training in Emeryville, April 4th
6) Event: RAMP Schools Roundtable in Oakland, April 10th
7) Job Announcement: California Breathing seeks Asthma Epidemiologist
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GENERAL
1) Resource: Asthma Trigger Control and Mold videos available at the NWCAA website
The Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) has produced a video titled, “Attack Asthma at Home: A Practical Approach to Asthma “Trigger” Source Control and Prevention”. It’s a 26-minute DVD and is downloadable from the NWCAA website. In addition, the NWCAA also has a video on “Mold in Your Home” that is available via their website. Both videos are currently available in English with Spanish translation under way. The Spanish translations will be posted to the website when they’re complete and the hard copy DVDs will be available in the coming weeks. For more information and to access the videos, visit http://www.nwcleanair.org/aqPrograms/indoorAir.htm.
2) Study: Results from a Large-Scale Asthma Intervention within OUSD
In the March 11th on-line edition of the Journal of Urban Health, researchers reported on the results from a large-scale asthma intervention that took place within the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). A coalition of community organizations developed a school-based, population-level system to identify, prioritize, and provide interventions for middle school children with asthma. In order to identify students with asthma, a survey was administered and 92% of students in the targeted schools particpipated in the survey. Of those who completed the survey, 17.5% (n=1,458) had active asthma and were eligible for services. Of those identified with active asthma, 83% (n=1,217) voluntarily attended asthma self-management classes at school. Seventy-two percent of students who enrolled attended at least three of the four curriculum sessions – many other students were subsequently referred to and enrolled in off-site asthma services. The authors concluded that large school districts with incomplete or inadequate health records, high asthma prevalence, and internal or external services available for students with asthma may benefit from a similar model. This system may be an effective public health strategy for school districts, health departments, and community coalitions addressing asthma or other conditions with high childhood prevalence. To view the full text of this study, visit http://www.calasthma.org/resources/show_resource/1027/ and click on the link.
3) Fellowship Opportunity: LIF Public Policy Fellowship Program
The Latino Issues Forum (LIF) has announced their 2008 Public Policy Fellowship Program. The program seeks students interested in working with a leading statewide public policy and advocacy institute in shaping a better vision for California. Students will gain hands-on experience in public policy through instruction on policy analysis, advocacy skills, and framing issues for the Latino community. Students interested in political science, public policy, public health, public administration, and non-profit management are encouraged to apply. The fellowship will be full time from June through December and will provide assistance to program staff in research, legislative/policy analysis, advocacy campaigns, and participations in the organization’s educational seminars and conferences. LIF is seeking fellows for projects in the following areas: Civic Engagement, Education, Environment/Sustainable Development, Health Access, and Telecommunications & Technology. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, March 28, 2008. For more information, visit http://www.lif.org/news/display.asp?id=18.
POLICY
4) Legislative Update: California State bills related to asthma and air quality
For the latest information on state legislation related to asthma and environmental triggers, visit the CalAsthma website at http://www.calasthma.org/resources/show_resource/1025/. Here you will find information on California State Bills pertaining to Indoor Air, Schools, Outdoor Air, and Alternative Vehicles.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
5) Event: ALA Breathe Well Live Well facilitator training in Emeryville, April 4th
The American Lung Association (ALA) is offering a free Breathe Well Live Well (BWLW) facilitator training from 10am – 4pm on April 4th in Emeryville. Breathe Well Live Well is a comprehensive adult asthma management program that has been proven effective through nationwide testing. Originally adapted from a clinic-based intervention developed by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Lung Health Center, studies show that participants see a decrease in the severity of their asthma symptoms, have fewer respiratory problems and are more likely to stick to their asthma treatment. BWLW is a three module program (one class session and a pre/post phone call) designed to be delivered in small group settings to maximize individual learning. At the training, attendees will gain the tools and knowledge to implement the program on their own with their own patients. For more information or to register, contact Lisa Rosenstreich at LRosenstreich@alac.org or (510) 893-5474, ext. 317. Class size is limited.
6) Event: RAMP Schools Roundtable in Oakland, April 10th
The Regional Asthma Management and Prevention (RAMP) Initiative is hosting their 5th Annual Schools Roundtable on April 10th from 9:30am until 1:30pm. Topics will include an introduction of newly developed materials on asthma management and emergency information in schools (Asthma Education in 15!) and a discussion on Coordinated School Health. The event will take place in Oakland and lunch will be provided. Space is limited. To register, download and fax in the registration form by visiting http://www.calasthma.org/calendar/view_event/1441/ or contact Seham Fare at RAMP at 510-302-3329 or via e-mail at seham@rampasthma.org.
7) Job Announcement: California Breathing seeks Asthma Epidemiologist
California Breathing, a program of the California Department of Public Health, seeks a full-time Asthma Epidemiologist to work on asthma surveillance projects and research. The main duties of the Asthma Epidemiologist will be to work under the supervision of the lead epidemiologist on the following: planning and conducting analyses to describe the burden of asthma in California, publishing and disseminating study findings, supporting California Asthma Partners, providing technical training and assistance, conducting regular evaluations to assess surveillance activities, and much more. Qualifications required include a Master’s degree, two years experience planning and conducting epidemiologic analyses, and database and website operations. This position will be located in Richmond. For more information about the position and how to apply, visit http://www.californiabreathing.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=101&Itemid=305.
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