NJDHSS-Asthma Awareness & Education Program

The New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services (NJDHSS)Asthma Awareness and Education Program (AAEP) has been funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since 2001 to conduct asthma awareness and education activities through a cooperative agreement “Addressing Asthma from a Public Health Perspective.” The goal of the AAEP is to coordinate efforts so that the capacity of the State to address asthma, its causes, and complications is enhanced and the burdens of asthma reduced. During this time, NJDHSS has successfully established a state asthma program, developed an asthma surveillance system, convened an Interdepartmental Asthma Committee (IAC);funded and participated on the Pediatric Adult Asthma Coalition (PACNJ), conducted two (2) statewide Asthma Summits, implemented the NJ Asthma Collaborative in community health centers; participated in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality "Learning Partnership to Decrease Disparities in Pediatric Asthma projec; implemented a Strategic Plan for Asthma, and supported statewide asthma awareness–raising and quality of life interventions. The implementation of these programs has resulted in increased knowledge and awareness of factors for improving asthma management.