MISSION: Collectively solving the public health crisis caused by asthma. The Colorado Asthma Coalition (CAC) is a consortium of healthcare professionals and community members committed to working together as a united force to improve the health and quality of life for Colorado children and adults impacted by asthma. The shared agenda includes:
? Increasing awareness of asthma as a chronic but manageable disease
? Providing shared advocacy that promotes accessibility and quality of asthma care, particularly for low income and disparate populations, and addresses environmental factors contributing to asthma
? Promoting healthcare provider practice that is congruent with the National Institute for Health (NIH) Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma
Professional Education:
? Caring for Kids Asthma Management Training Program
This sustainable program utilizes Certified Asthma Educators (AE-C) to equip medical personnel and other providers of asthma care with sufficient understanding of asthma and NIH recommended asthma management, so that they in turn will help children, child care personnel and families in their care effectively manage asthma.
? Asthma Educator Certification (AE-C) Preparation Course
This sustainable project is currently being developed and will be offered live and web-based. The intent of the CAC Asthma Educator Certification Preparation Course is to promote consistency and the highest standards in asthma education and care management by increasing the state-wide number of Certified Asthma Educators.
? CAC Members Forum
The Forum continues to offer topics and research updates related to asthma, presented by leading experts and researchers.
Community Outreach:
? Collaboration with Colorado Asian Health Edcuation Program (CAHEP)
CAC is working with CAHEP to decrease the impact of asthma among the Colorado Asian communities by raising awareness of asthma and appropriate asthma diagnosis and management and by providing services, education, resources and trainings
? Pharmacy Partners for Asthma Care (PPAC)
CAC is currently developing a plan to collaborate with community pharmacies to provide additional education and services for Colorado adults and children afflicted by asthma, with an emphasis on disparate and low income populations. This is intended to be a comprehensive, sustainable product that can be adapted throughout Colorado.
Advocacy:
The CAC remains committed to remaining an independent, nonprofit organization so that it can continue to provide advocacy for legislative actions that support the Colorado Asthma Plan. The CAC is identifying key advocacy issues and partner alignment for support of school-based clinics, provision of medical homes for children, improving access to medications and healthcare, and increasing enrollment for healthcare coverage. Partners include The Children''s Hospital, CAHEP, the Colorado Coalition for the Medically Underserved, and other asthma stakeholders.