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EPA Announces $10,500 Grant to Philadelphia Allies Against Asthma to Help Children Breathe Easier

Release Date: 5/4/2004
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113

Contact: Donna Heron: 215-814-5113
PHILADELPHIA – Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region, presented a $10,500 check today to Philadelphia Allies Against Asthma during an event marking World Asthma Day at Lincoln Financial Field.

The grant will be used to improve care coordination and expand educational outreach in North and West Philadelphia, where more than 14,000 children suffer with asthma.

“Asthma is a critical problem facing our children,” said Welsh during the educational program, which was attended by 200 children from the School District of Philadelphia. “There are few things more important than the air we breathe, and there is nothing more important than doing everything we reasonably can to ensure that it is clean and healthy.”

The theme of this year’s event was, “Reducing the Burden of Asthma” and included a talk by Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Greg Lewis, who shared his personal experiences dealing with asthma.

Triggers of asthma include indoor air pollutants such as second-hand smoke, pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches and molds. Outdoor air pollution from various sources can irritate the respiratory system, reduce lung function, and inflame and damage the lining of the lungs, which aggravates asthma.

According to date from the National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute, asthma ranks among the most common chronic conditions in the U.S., affecting an estimated 17.3 million people. Approximately, one in 14 children has asthma.