The BREATHE Asthma Education and Research Program is funded by Sanford Health Systems in Sioux Falls, SD and is administrated by Missouri Breaks Research located in rural Eagle Butte, SD. BREATHE is currently serving the entire Cheyenne River Reservation and is in the process of implementing the program on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The pilot program on the Cheyenne River Reservation is intended to develop a successful way to deliver health education for rural and reservation areas and then to share that method with other areas to improve health care services.
The BREATHE Program has three main components - community service, education, and research. BREATHE will serve the community by raising awareness for asthma through community education and screening. BREATHE will educate all referred individuals and their families on disease management, medication use and asthma triggers, with a special emphasis on the effects of smoking and a personalized Asthma Action Plan. BREATHE will enroll 100 participants for the follow-up program to research the effect asthma education has on asthma control, quality of life and asthma knowledge. Other factors such as basic demographics and Health Locus of Control will be included for analysis.
Rae O’Leary, a Respiratory Therapist and Certified Asthma Educator is carrying out the BREATHE Program for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. She is committed to providing asthma education and respiratory services for her area as long as they are needed. She is interested in identifying more health care professionals to implement the BREATHE Program for other areas in need of asthma services.