Asthma continues to be a significant public health and economic concern for the people of Florida. Nearly 47 percent of Florida children reported experiencing an asthma attack in 2004, and over 1,470,801 adults and children in Florida are currently living with the disease. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of children in the United States, the third leading cause of preventable hospitalizations, one of the leading causes of school absenteeism, and the leading work-related lung disease. In addition, asthma incurs high costs, in terms of the costs of care, lost workdays and productivity, and lower quality of life for persons with asthma and their families. For these reasons, asthma is a public health priority for the State of Florida.
Together we can reduce asthma morbidity and mortality in Florida and ensure a better quality of life for persons with asthma. Thank you for your support of this important public health initiative.