Asthma Friendly Policies

The Minnesota Department of Health has created a free home environmental assessment training, named Reducing Environmental Triggers of Asthma–Home, or RETA-Home. This program teaches you about the triggers of asthma found in the home and suggests simple interventions that can limit or eliminate exposure to them. It also tours a home to show areas where asthma triggers are found. The training takes about 40 minutes to view. It includes pre- and post-test questions that highlight important points, and you may print out a certificate of completion at the end. In addition, there is a resource section that can be accessed both during the program and after the program has been completed.

This training utilizes the expertise of individuals who have extensive experience in both providing in-home asthma management and conducting home assessments. It builds on data from projects showing that environmental interventions, coupled with in-home asthma medical management, are effective in reducing nighttime symptoms, missed school days, and the number of asthma hospital visits and unscheduled, urgent care office visits.

This training program was made possible from grants from EPA Region V and CDC.

The course addresses the causes, signs and symptoms of asthma; asthma triggers; the key elements of asthma control; and strategies for creating asthma-friendly schools. Additionally, it provides suggested changes that can be made to reduce triggers in school environments, such as removing upholstered furniture and ensuring good indoor environmental quality (IEQ).

The course design incorporates nationally recognized, research-based standards for online professional development and provides teachers and education support professionals (ESPs) with the opportunity to obtain certificate hours and other professional development credit. A total of 2.5 certificate hours can be earned by taking the course and up to 65 additional certificate hours can be earned by completing one or more of the extra-credit projects offered.

Course highlights include:

• course content modeled after National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidance
• a pre- and post- knowledge based assessment, handouts, and additional resources
• practical assignments (activities and extra-credit projects) with opportunities for hands-on application and reflection
• a professional development handout that contains detailed information on how this course can help NEA members achieve their goals for professional growth and development

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