Alameda County Commits Funding For Asthma Care
SAN LORENZO (KCBS) – Alameda County is working to help reduce the harmful impacts of asthma with the Asthma Start Program, which provides in-home case management services.
The Asthma Start team provides education and support, and develops an action plan to assist families in controlling their children's asthma.
That includes Erica Augustine, whose 5-year-old son Eli suffers from asthma.
"It's terrifying to see your son struggle to breathe," she said.
KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:
After one hospitalization, Augustine was visited by a caseworker from Asthma Start, who came to their home to identify asthma triggers.
"Stuff like alternative cleaning methods, they covered our mattresses and pillow cases and most importantly, they suggested an allergy specialist," Augustine said.
Eli was found to be allergic to dogs and chocolate so his daily chocolate milk is now gone.
Now, Alameda County is looking to help even more, committing an additional $100,000 toward Asthma Start.
"Despite our best efforts, San Leandro and San Lorenzo are both above the county average in terms of the incidents of asthma," said Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan.
Dr. Michael LeNoir, an asthma expert, said those figures have everything to do with location.
"Remember, the closer you are to freeways, the higher the incidence and prevalence of asthma," he said.
Alameda County has the second highest asthma rate in the state.
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