Asthma Prevention in Imperial County

Imperial Valley, California (photo: Shuka Kalantari)

My nephew in Imperial Valley suffers from asthma. This has been both scary and hard to handle for his parents and grandparents. It began with a trip to the emergency room in the middle of the night. Since diagnosis, he has taken daily medications. Even on maintenance medications, his mom must be prepared for an attack. She always has fast-acting medications such as an inhaler and nebulizer machine available. The family is aware that any time the wind blows or after it rains, extra precautions must be taken. He has been fortunate to have physicians in San Diego that have helped the family gain control. The family travels to San Diego because there are not enough providers in Imperial County. But many children in Imperial County with asthma don't have that opportunity.

According to Aide Fulton, Program Director and Asthma Nurse Educator for The Imperial Valley Childhood Asthma Program (IVCAP), the region consistently has the highest asthma hospitalization rates among young children and adults in California. Many parents also fear flare-ups from physical activity and avoid exercise and sports. Unfortunately, the region also battles childhood obesity, with nearly 40 percent of children here labeled obese.

The IVCAP organized a public forum at El Centro Town Square on Main Street entitled, "A Community United to Fight Asthma." The event was highly publicized in light of funding cuts that will significantly impact the successful program's future. Fulton garnered support from local healthcare providers, families suffering from asthma, local politicians, and funders for the program to bring awareness to the dire situation brought about by budget problems in the state. Aide reported a great turnout with impassioned pleas by local citizens desperate to continue a program that offers families the opportunity to achieve long-term control of the devastating disease.

IVCAP's "Healthy Lungs-Healthy Communities" approach is working. At the program inception, local healthcare providers were not consistently diagnosing and staging the disease. Today, the disease is consistently diagnosed and all providers are aware of current evidence-based treatments. The problem remaining is the insufficient number of providers to meet the demand for this deadly disease in our community.

If the asthma program is cut, the county would lose a program that offers in-home education from a certified asthma nurse educator and well-established community health workers. Additionally, it would curb the recent roll-out of an asthma action plan within the emergency room and pediatric unit. The focus on intervention while in emergency is imperative for Imperial Valley because there is limited access to both primary and specialty services. At the school and community level, the program loss would leave the community without a voice and ability to network for additional resources.

Only time will tell whether or not a program with ten years of successes can be sustained in desperate times. Fulton is gaining recognition for the innovative work done. She is currently being considered for a Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Award due to the inspiring work completed with the Third Annual Asthma Walk in March of 2011. By promoting physical activity, Fulton is not only battling asthma, but obesity.