News Releases from Region 07

Free Asthma Screenings for Children at Asthma Awareness Month Event

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., May 14, 2015) - Asthma is a major public health issue, affecting nearly 23 million people and disproportionately affecting low-income and minority communities. Although there is no cure for asthma yet, asthma can be controlled through medical treatment and management of environmental triggers.

May is Asthma Awareness Month. EPA supports Asthma Awareness Month by increasing public awareness of the asthma epidemic and partnering with thousands of organizations taking action to get asthma under control. EPA promotes scientific understanding of environmental asthma triggers and management through research, education, and community-focused outreach.

Through an EPA Environmental Justice Small Grant, the Black Health Care Coalition in Kansas City, Mo., is sponsoring an Asthma Awareness Month event with community health partners to conduct free asthma screenings for children. This event will also feature local health care professionals on hand to answer parents' questions about asthma management, Healthy Homes demonstrations for parents, hands-on activities, and games for kids. There will also be other community organizations who will have informational booths at the event for parents and kids.

EPA Region 7 supports community collaboration among organizations who are working to reduce asthma disparities and taking action to get asthma under control in the Kansas City community.

WHO: EPA Region 7; Black Health Care Coalition; Children's Mercy Hospital; Kansas City, Missouri Health Department

WHAT: Asthma Screening and Asthma Awareness Event

WHEN: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, May 16, 2015

WHERE: Gregg/Klice Community Center, 1600 John "Buck" O'Neil Way, Kansas City, Mo.

VISUALS:

• Asthma screenings
• Healthy Homes demonstrations
• Kid's activities

Since 1980, the biggest growth in asthma cases has been in children under 5. Some of the most common indoor asthma triggers include secondhand smoke, dust mites, mold, cockroaches and other pests, household pets, and combustion byproducts. We can protect our children by learning about asthma triggers, reducing their impacts and creating an action plan.

"As an agency that puts protecting health as one of its primary goals, we must remain proactive in creating real solutions for these very real problems," said Mark Hague, EPA Region 7 Acting Administrator. "Just one wheezing, coughing, struggling-to-breathe child reflects the stories of millions who suffer from asthma, and that's cause enough."

"It is important that we take action to protect our families - especially our children," said Hague. "I encourage everyone to learn more about asthma triggers."