Michigan Department of Community Health Asthma Prevention and Control Program

In the mid-90s, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) recognized asthma as a growing health problem, especially among low-income children and populations with economic, race and access disparities. As MDCH geared up to increase asthma awareness in these disproportionately affected communities, it quickly determined that a coordinated effort would ultimately have the greatest impact on health outcomes.

Therefore, in 2000, MDCH brought together more than 125 asthma experts to develop the first statewide plan to address asthma in communities bearing the highest burden. This successful collaboration lead to the creation of the Asthma Prevention and Control Program (APCP). 

The APCP, which provides expertise and long-term guidance for asthma quality improvement activities, has aided in the development and impact of many successful community-based asthma management programs across the state, such as Managing Asthma Through Case-management in Homes (MATCH). This program utilizes a combination of home, school and work visits; asthma action plans; and Medicaid reimbursement to provide long-term interventions and care for individuals with asthma. MATCH participants reported significantly fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and had significantly shorter lengths of stay, if hospitalized due to asthma.

Recognizing the success of the program, APCP helped to replicate this model in other communities, and as a result, has more than doubled the number of people served by MATCH. Surveillance data and input from strategic partners have been key components to this success and are used to continuously measure both the state’s and community’s needs and to ensure that any changes in asthma burden result in adjusted programming.

Between 2000 and 2007, APCP’s efforts have contributed to a 24 percent reduction in the asthma mortality rate in Michigan, preventing an estimated 182 deaths. Similarly, pediatric asthma hospitalization rates in the state decreased by 28 percent between 2000 and 2009. In addition, children enrolled in Michigan Medicaid programs exhibited a 41 percent decrease in asthma hospitalizations between 2005 and 2009.