The Illinois Asthma Program (IAP), within the Illinois Department of Public Health, is funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to implement the Illinois Asthma Plan, Addressing Asthma in Illinois. The asthma plan, developed in collaboration with the Illinois Asthma Partnership, serves as a framework for action and collaboration for an overall goal of improving asthma control and improving outcomes of asthma management for people of all ages, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. The asthma plan consists of six priority areas: data, assessment and outcomes; education; occupational asthma; policy and advocacy; schools; and state coordination. The Illinois Asthma Partnership consists of more than 200 members throughout the state and provides guidance and assistance in carrying out all program functions.
To support community efforts in reaching the goals of the asthma plan, both development and implementation of local grants are provided. Our local coalitions are implementing and evaluating program activities to support the asthma plan. Coalitions may vary in organizational structure, but they share common goals: to increase asthma awareness and education, improve the diagnosis and management of asthma, and to strengthen community resources.